As public awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, the use of plants as a source for producing plastic resins is gaining significant momentum. Recently, Goop, an Italian company, announced that it has started using NatureWorks, a plant-based polymer produced by Cargill-Dow, to manufacture a range of single-use plastic cutlery. This development highlights the progress being made in utilizing renewable resources for plastic production. While some still question whether disposable plastic tableware can truly be eco-friendly, Italy's actions demonstrate that sustainable raw materials are increasingly being recognized as viable alternatives. Common renewable resources like cereals, textiles, wood, sugarcane, and sugar beets are being converted into polymers, offering a promising solution for resource regeneration. Although producing polymers from natural sources isn't a new idea—cellophane was used as early as the 20th century—the materials used back then couldn't be synthesized artificially. As such, they weren't classified as synthetic under standards like DIN or ASTM. Today, with growing environmental concerns, especially in the packaging industry, non-synthetic materials are often preferred for their eco-friendliness. In 2005, UCB Surface Special Processing Company sold its thin film division to a private consortium. The newly formed entity introduced NatureFlex, a fully biodegradable cellulose film. While this material offers high transparency, it lacks moisture and heat-sealing properties. However, after coating, these issues can be mitigated, though at the cost of reduced biodegradability. According to UCB’s marketing manager, Andy Sweetman, the company uses a synthetic polymer coating on NatureFlex, making it one of the few fully biodegradable options available. Despite the advantages, traditional polymer materials like BOPP still dominate the market. Sweetman believes now is the right time to introduce degradable films, as the global demand for cellulosic films is over 100,000 tons, while BOPP exceeds 3 million tons. With the introduction of NatureFlex, UCB aims to replace conventional materials in various applications, starting with transparent plastic packaging. NatureFlex comes in uncoated and three different coated versions, each offering improved moisture and air resistance along with better heat-sealing capabilities. One of the key markets for natural polymer-based packaging is organic fruits and vegetables, but even here, performance is crucial. Sweetman notes that end-users are highly demanding, and any performance shortcoming could hinder adoption. The challenge lies in improving moisture resistance and sealability of bioplastics, which directly affects their ability to degrade. If moisture prevents microbial action, degradation may not occur. Sweetman emphasizes that while cost remains a major concern, collaboration among companies can help overcome these challenges. He also believes that starch-based materials are ideal for food packaging, while cellulose-based films, known for their clarity and moisture resistance, suit other applications. Although companies like Cargill-Dow and Novamont have invested heavily in cellulose processing, progress in molding techniques has been limited. Cargill-Dow, considered a leader in biodegradable materials, produces polylactic acid (PLA) in Nebraska with an annual capacity of 140,000 tons. The manufacturing process involves converting corn into lactic acid, which is then polymerized into PLA. According to CEO Bader, the company aims to scale up production and make PLA competitive with traditional plastics. With oil prices rising, bioplastics are becoming more attractive. Bader notes that while oil prices have fluctuated, cereal prices remain stable, making plant-based materials a more predictable option. Italy, driven by advancements from Novamont, is the largest market for biodegradable materials in Europe. Novamont recently acquired Eastman’s biological business, expanding its portfolio and accelerating development in bio-based polymers. Dupont, too, is optimistic about the future of bioplastics, having partnered with Tate & Lyle to produce propylene glycol from renewable sources. A new plant in Tennessee is set to begin operations in 2006, further signaling the shift toward sustainable materials. Overall, the transition to plant-based plastics is not just a trend—it’s a necessary evolution in the packaging industry. As technology improves and costs decrease, the future looks bright for biodegradable materials.

Wet Crusher Slurry Pump

Wet Crusher Slurry Pumps are the most comprehensive range of centrifugal slurry pumps for use in mining, chemical and general industry applications. It is including Centrifugal Horizontal Wet Crusher Slurry Pump, Centrifugal Horizontal Press Feeding Pump and Centrifugal Horizontal Heavy Media Slurry Pump. They are designed for heavy duty applications such as mill discharge, power sector and tailings as well as specialty applications, which are used for continuous pumping of high abrasive, high density slurry.

Product Features:

-Wear resistant metal or rubber wet end parts, long service life
-Wide options for Impeller
-Various types of pump seals to suit different working condition
-Grease or oil lubrication
-Discharge branch can be positioned at intervals of 45 degree
-Can be installed in multistage series
-Easy to maintain

Application Range:

Size: 25 mm to 450 mm
Capacity: up to 5000 m3/hr

Maximum Heads: up to 75 m

Wet Crusher Slurry Pump,Heavy Media Transfer Pump,Centrifugal Press Feeding Pump,Horizontal Press Feeding Pump

SHIJIAZHUANG MUYUAN INDUSTRY & TRADE CO., LTD. , https://www.cnmuyuan.com