Natur-Tec and NatureWorks Launch New Technology Platform for Performance Compostable Serviceware
October 18 2016 - 11:00AM
Business Wire
Technology offers products that more cost
effectively rival the performance of polystyrene and polypropylene
serviceware.
Natur-Tec, a business unit of Northern Technologies
International Corporation (Nasdaq: NTIC), and NatureWorks
introduced today a jointly developed technology platform that
lowers the cost of compostable serviceware while increasing its
performance. The new technology platform – formulations based on
low carbon footprint Ingeo™ biopolymer – produces heat resistant
serviceware with rigidity approaching that of injection molded
polystyrene and higher toughness than either polypropylene (PP) or
polystyrene (PS) cutlery.
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Figure 1 compares the stiffness of
cutlery made from the new formulation with PS and PP cutlery. PS
cutlery is typically stiff but too brittle, while PP cutlery is
typically strong yet too flexible. In contrast, the new Natur-Tec
formulation is both stiff and strong. (Graphic: Business Wire)
Compostable cutlery made using the new formulation was
benchmarked against standard PS and PP cutlery sold in the market
using practical tests designed to mimic the actual conditions of
cutlery in use. These tests compared three parameters: rigidity,
toughness (the amount of energy required to make the implements
break), and heat resistance. Test results indicated:
- PS cutlery is typically stiff but too
brittle, while PP cutlery is typically strong yet too flexible. In
contrast, the new Natur-Tec formulation is both stiff and
strong.
- The new formulation has higher
toughness (requiring more energy to break) than both PS and
PP.
- In heat resistance testing the force
required to deform the new Ingeo-based formulation cutlery at 190°
F (90° C) is more than PP but less than PS. At a maximum
compression load of 200 grams (~ ½ lb.), however, the new
formulation exceeds the toughness requirements for most, if not
all, serviceware applications.
- When a PS spoon and a new formulation
spoon were compressed in hot water, the PS spoon showed substantial
deformation on handle and bowl while the Ingeo-based spoon held its
pristine shape.
For injection molders, the new technology platform also
addresses a processing issue common to prior compostable cutlery
products – warpage of the cutlery during cooling and
crystallization, which can reduce overall yield and so increase the
per-piece cost. “Following field trials, injection molders relayed
to us that scrap from finished part warpage and inconsistency in
material flow, which could be up to 20 percent, is now minimal, and
less than 5 percent, when our new technology platform is used,”
said Vineet Dalal, Vice President and Director of Global Market
Development for Natur-Tec.
Natur-Tec and NatureWorks collaborated on development for more
than a year and will jointly market the technology as a two-part
resin platform that combines in one package (named BF3002HT) a
nucleated impact modified Ingeo-based masterbatch with one of
NatureWorks latest Ingeo performance grades. The two-part
Ingeo-based platform helps retain polymer properties and so
provides better mechanical performance as compared to filled-PLA
compounds. Natur-Tec will lead BF3002HT sales and marketing
efforts. The new technology platform is fully approved for food
contact and is now in final testing for compostability
certification.
Natur-Tec will also manufacture serviceware for companies
interested in test marketing cutlery before beginning in-house
injection molding. Natur-Tec personnel are available to work with
customers on applications other than serviceware, as this new
technology platform can be tailored to many different types of
compostable injection molded products, including disposable coffee
filter cups and agricultural trellis clips, and non-food contact
applications.
For technical and commercial information from Natur-Tec, email
info@natur-tec.com, call +1 763 404 8700, or visit
www.natur-tec.com/bf3002ht. Samples of the BF3002HT Ingeo-based
formulation are immediately available from Natur-Tec. For more
information on NatureWorks and Ingeo, visit www.natureworksllc.com.
Follow NatureWorks on Twitter (@natureworks) for the latest
updates.
About Northern Technologies International Corporation
Northern Technologies International Corporation develops and
markets proprietary environmentally beneficial products and
technical services either directly or via a network of
subsidiaries, joint ventures, and independent distributors in over
50 countries. NTIC's Natur-Tec® branded products are engineered
using proprietary blends of biodegradable polymers and natural
materials to create biobased (renewable resource based) and
certified compostable plastics. The broad Natur-Tec bioplastics
portfolio spans flexible film, foam, rigid injection molded
materials, and engineered plastics. By using Natur-Tec products as
an alternative to conventional plastics, industry and consumers
reduce their carbon footprint and move towards a zero carbon or
carbon neutral footprint. It also provides for environmentally
responsible and sustainable end-of-life solutions. For more
information on Natur-Tec and Northern Technologies International
Corporation, visit www.natur-tec.com.
About NatureWorks
NatureWorks LLC is a company dedicated to meeting the world’s
needs today without compromising the earth’s ability to meet the
needs of tomorrow. Today, NatureWorks is a world leading
biopolymers supplier and innovator with its Ingeo portfolio of
naturally advanced materials made from renewable, abundant
feedstocks with performance and economics that compete with
oil-based intermediates, plastics, and fibers, and provide brand
owners new cradle-to-cradle options after the use of their
products. NatureWorks is jointly owned by Thailand’s largest
chemical producer, PTT Global Chemical, and Cargill, which provides
food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services
to the world. For general information on NatureWorks and Ingeo,
visit www.natureworksllc.com.
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version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161018005492/en/
NatureWorksAmericas & EuropeSteve Sterling, +1
952-935-0078Email: steve@sterlingpr.netorAsia Pacific &
JapanPauline Ning, Tel: +86-138 1650 1881Email:
pauline_ning@natureworkspla.comorNatur-TecMatthew Wolsfeld,
+1 763-225-6600Email: info@natur-tec.com
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