Material Biopolymers Biopolymers are polymers that are generated

Material Biopolymers

Biopolymers are polymers that aregenerated from renewable naturalsources, are often biodegradable, andnot toxic to produce.

They can be produced by biologicalsystems (i.e. micro-organisms, plantsand animals), or chemically synthesizedfrom biological starting materials (e.g.sugars, starch, natural fats or oils, etc.).

Biopolymers are an alternative topetroleum-based polymers (traditionalplastics).(Bio)polyesters have properties similarto traditional polyesters.Starch-based polymers are often a blendof starch and other plastics (e.g PE),which allows for enhancedenvironmental properties.

PolyestersBiopolymer type

Price(DKK/kg)

Density(kg/liter)

Aliphatic-aromaticcopolymer

- -

Aliphatic polyesters - -

CPLA 25-50 1.25

PCL - -

PHA 15-60 1.25

PLA 30-70 1.26

Starch-basedpolymers Biopolymer type Price (DKK/kg)

Density(kg/liter)

10 % Starch - -

50 % Starch - -

90 % Starch 20-40 -

Foamed starch - -

OthersBiopolymer type

Price(DKK/kg)

Density(kg/liter)

Caseinformaldehyde

- 1.33

Celluose acetate - -

Horn - -

Environ-mentals

notes

Some polymers degrade in only a few weeks, whileothers take several months.Biodegradability and other plastic propertiesstrongly depend on the polymer structure. Bychanging the structure, these properties can bealtered.

Price The above-mentioned prices are from December1997.The price of biopolymers is still fairly highcompared to oil-based polymers. This is due tolower production-volumes than petroleum-basedpolymers.However, the growing environmentalconsciousness and the application of life-cycleevaluations in the material circuit may helpbiomass-based raw materials to becomemass-produced and cheaper, replacing traditionalplastics in a number of applications.Significant price reductions can be expected withinthe next two years.

References Links:Biodegradable Polymers and Plastics in JapanDTI, Centre for Product DevelopmentGBF - Enviromental Biochemical EngineeringProterra - International Centre for Agro-basedMaterialsHow green are green plastics?

Companies:Biotec GmbHNational Starch & Chemical

Books, Magazines & Papers:Biopolymers (journal)Biopolymers (paper)

Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)

Copyright © 1997-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite

Horn

Return tomaterials description

Material Aliphatic-aromatic copolymer

This copolymer combines the excellentmaterial properties of aromatic PET, andthe biodegradability of aliphaticpolyesters. It is soft, pliable (producinglow noise) and has a good touch.Melting-points are high for a degradablematerial (around 200°C).

Depending on the application, up to threealiphatic monomers are incorporated intothe PET structure. The monomers createweak spots in the polymeric chains,thereby making them susceptible todegradation through hydrolysis.

Applications include disposal bags,diapers and eating utensils. It can be usedto create geo-textiles and plant pots, andit is suitable for thermoformed blownbottles and injection moulded objects.

Category Biopolymers

Processes Blow mouldingInjection mouldingExtrusion

References DupontGBF - Enviromental Biochemical Engineering

Price It is only marginally more expensive to produce thanPET itself because it can be manufactured withexisting equipment using existing bulk monomers.Currently available degradable materials can costtwice as much.

Environmen-tal notes

Disposal: It can be recycled, incinerated or landfilled,but is intended mainly for disposal composting andin-soil degradation. If properly disposed, it degradesin eight weeks.The large polymer molecules are cleaved by moistureinto smaller molecules, which are then consumed bynaturally occurring microbes and converted to carbondioxide and water.



Material Aliphatic polyesters

Aliphatic polyesters have propertiessimilar to those of PE and PP. They areodorless and can be used for trash bags,diapers, and cosmetic and beveragebottles.

They can be processed on conventionalprocessing equipment at 140-260 °C, inblown and extruded films, foams, andinjection moulded products.

Aliphatic polyesters are biodegradablebut often lack in good thermal andmechanical properties. Vice versa,aromatic polyesters, like PET, haveexcellent material properties, but areresistant to microbial attack.


Products Pot for plants


Similarmaterials

PET (aromatic polyester)

References Showa Highpolymer Co. Ltd. (Bionolle®)


Creation: Made from polycondensation reaction ofglycol and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids. Bothcomponents can be obtained from renewableresources (e.g. glycol from glycerol by fermentation).

Disposal: It biodegrades to water and carbon dioxidein soil as well as fresh and ocean water areas.The rate of degradation depends on grade, shape ofthe product, and level of microbiological activity.Typically, degradation of a 0.04 mm thick film takestwo months.When coated with coconut-shell powder, and buriedin soil, it decomposes within five days. In fact,coconut-shell powder absorbs water and swells,helping microorganisms to live on the biodegradablefilm.



Material CPLA - Polylactide aliphatic copolymer

Biodegradable CPLA is a mixture oflactide and aliphatic polyesters. It can beeither a hard plastic (similar to PS) or asoft flexible one (similar to PP)depending on the amount of aliphaticpolyester present in the mixture.

Possible applications will includecompost bags, cushioning materials, foodwrapping materials, fishing nets, etc.It is easy to process with stability up to200 °C.


Processes Most conventional plastic processes like:Blow mouldingInjection mouldingExtrusionVacuum formingFibre spinning

Similarmaterials

Aliphatic polyesters

References Dainippon Ink and Chemicals Inc. (DIC)

Price DIC plans to produce several tons per year at a priceranging from 25 to 50 DKK/kg.


Creation: CPLA is made by copolymerising lactide(made by fermenting cornstarch, cheese whey, etc.)with aliphatic polyester (e.g dicarboxylic acid orglycol made from fermentation of glycerol). All arerenewable resources.

Disposal: If incinerated, no toxic substances aregenerated.The heating value and carbon dioxide generatedduring combustion are lower, by almost half thelevel, of that generated by PE or PS.

Although CPLA has a high molecular weight and

high melting-point, it begins breaking down into alow-molecular weight polymer, in naturalenvironments, after 5-6 months. Completedecomposition after 12 months.When composted with food garbage, it beginsbreaking down into a low-molecular weight after 2weeks.

AdditionalInfo

CPLA does not dissolve in alcoholic solvents, oils,and diluted solution of strong acids. It does dissolvein aromatic hydrocarbon, concentrated acids, andcaustic soda.



Material PCL - Polycaprolactone

Polycaprolactone is a biodegradablethermoplastic polymer derived from thechemical synthesis of crude oil. Althoughnot produced from renewable rawmaterials, it is fully biodegradable.

Polycaprolactone has good water, oil,solvent and chlorine resistance. It has alow melting-point (58-60 °C) and lowviscosity, and it is easy to process.

It is used mainly in thermoplasticpolyurethanes, resins for surface coatings,adhesives and synthetic leather andfabrics. It also serves to make stiffenersfor shoes and orthopedic splints, and fullybiodegradable compostable bags, sutures,and fibres.


References Solvay Caprolactones (CAPA®)Union Carbide Corp. (Tone)


Disposal: Fully biodegradable.The low melting-point makes the material suited forcomposting as a means of disposal, due to thetemperature obtained during composting routinelyexceeding 60 °C.

Degradation time is very short. In Sweden there hasbeen an attempt to produce PCL bags, but theydegraded before reaching the customers.

AdditionalInfo

Polycaprolactone is often mixed with starch to obtaina good biodegradable material at a low price (~20DKK/kg lower than other aliphatic polyesters).The mix has been successefully used for making trashbags in Korea (Yukong Company).


Material PHAs - Polyhydroxyalkanoates

PHAs are linear polyesters produced innature by bacterial fermentation of sugaror lipids.More than 100 different monomers canbe combined within this family to givematerials with extremely differentproperties.

They can be either thermoplastic orelastomeric materials, withmelting-points ranging from 40 to 180°C.The most common type of PHAs is PHB(poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate). PHB hasproperties similar to those of PP, howeverit is stiffer and more brittle.

A PHB copolymer called PHBV(polyhydroxybutyrate-valerate) is lessstiff and tougher, and it is used aspackaging material.


Products Bone plateRazor, biodegradable (PHA)Shampoo bottle, biodegradable (PHBV)Surgical sutures


Keywords PHBPHBV

References Monsanto Company (BiopolTM)PHB production

Price The price (1997: 15-60 DKK/kg) is very highcompared to other oil-derived polymers.Prices are thus falling down (1993: 100-140 DKK/kg)and, in a couple of years they could reach a levelwhich would enable mass-production (2-6 DKK/kg).


Creation: Made from renewable natural sources likesugar.

Use: It is biocompatible and therefore can beimplanted in the body without causing inflammations.The producer claims that is not toxic.

Disposal: It biodegrades in microbially activeenvironments in 5-6 weeks.The action of some enzymes produced by microbssolubilises PHB which is then absorbed through thecell wall and metabolised.

PHB is normally broken down to carbon dioxide andwater when degraded in aerobic conditions. Inabsence of oxygen the degradation is faster, andmethane is also produced.PHB is not degraded in biologically inactive systemssuch as sanitary landfills.



Material PLA - Polylactide

PLA is a biodegradable thermoplasticderived from lactic acid.

It resembles clear polystyrene, providesgood aesthetics (gloss and clarity), but itis stiff and brittle and needs modificationsfor most practical applications (i.e.plasticizers increase its flexibility).

It can be processed like mostthermoplastics into fibres, films,thermoformed or injection moulded.Used for compost bags, plant pots,diapers and packaging.


Products Compostable bag

Processes Most conventional plastic processes like:Blow mouldingInjection mouldingExtrusionVacuum formingFibre spinning

References Neste Corporate TechnologyCargill Dow Polymers LLC

Price Current prices (1997) are between 40 and 70DKK/kg.


Creation: Lactic acid can be obtained on the basis ofrenewable starch containing resources (e.g. corn,wheat or sugar beat) by fermentation, or by chemicalsynthesis of non-renewable resources.

Disposal: If composted properly it takes 3-4 weeksfor complete degradation.The first stage of degradation (two weeks) is ahydrolisis to water soluble oligomers and lactic acid.The latter, as a naturally occurring substance, is arapid metabolisation into CO2, water and biomass bya variety of micro-organisms.

AdditionalInfo

The future tendency is towards a sharp decrease ofthe price, thanks to the introduction of plants capableto mass-produce the material. Future prices areexpected to fall to few times the price of PP (15-20DKK/kg).



Material 10 % Starch

Starch can be used as biodegradableadditive or replacement material intraditional oil-based commodity plastics.

If starch is added to petroleum derivedpolymers (e.g. PE), it allowsdisintegration of the blend, but not itsbiodegradability.


Products Compostable bags


Disposal: Starch can in theory accelerate thedisintegration or fragmentation of the syntheticpolymer chains.Microbial action consumes the starch, therebycreating pores in the material, which weaken it andenable it to break apart.

Disintegration of starch-plastic blends is not the sameas biodegradation.Their breakdown, also under optimal conditions, isquite slow. Starch content needs to exceed 60%before significant material breakdown occurs.

AdditionalInfo

In 1993 LDPE-starch blends were commercializedunder the trade name Ecostar®




Also called plastified starch materials.They exhibit mechanical propertiessimilar to conventional plastics such asPP, and are generally resistant to oils andalcohols, however, they degrade whenexposed to hot water.

Properties of these materials can bevaried as the content of starch and othermaterials changes.They are fully biodegradable andcompostable, and they can replacetraditional plastics in food service, foodpackaging, personal health care, etc.

Their basic content (40-80%) is cornstarch, a renewable natural material. Therest is performance-enhancing additivesand other biodegradable materials.


Products Pen, biodegradableGolf teesTrash bags

Processes Most conventional plastic processes like:Blow mouldingInjection mouldingExtrusionThermoforming

References Novamont S.p.A. (Mater-Bi®)


Creation: Made of renewable natural sources(starch).

Disposal: When disposed in biologically activeenvironments such as composte facilities andwastewater treatments systems, they displaydegradation characteristics similar to leaves, woodchips and paper.




Usually referred to as thermoplasticstarch.They are stable in oils and fats, however,depending on the type, they can varyfrom stable to unstable in hot/cold water.They can be processed by traditionaltechniques for plastics.

These materials consist mainly (>90%) ofstarch obtained from renewable naturalsources. Colouring and flame retardantadditives are possible.


Products Starch-based tubeDegradable compost bagsAgricultural mulch filmGolf tees

Processes Most conventional plastic processes like:Blow mouldingInjection mouldingExtrusionThermoforming

References Biotec GmbH (Bioplast®)NOVON International (NOVON®)

Price Prices vary from 20 to 40 DKK/kg


Creation: Made of renewable natural sources.

Disposal: Depending on the grade, thermoplasticstarch can degrade completely within five days inaqueous aerobic testing and in 45 days in a controlledcompost, or can even decompose in water.



Material Foamed starch

Starch can be environmentally friendlyblown into a foamed material using watersteam.

Foamed starch is antistatic, insulating andshock absorbing, therefore a goodreplacement for polystyrene foam.

It can be used as packaging material orcan be pressed into starch-based sheet forthin-walled products, such as trays,disposable dishes etc.


Products Loose-fillDisposable cup

Processes Water steam foamingExtrusionCuttingMoulding

Similarmaterials

Foamed PS

References Biotec GmbH (Biopur®)National Starch & Chemical (Eco-Foam®)Norel (EnvirofillTM)


Creation: Foamed starch is 99% starch, which is arenewable resource found in corn, wheat, rice,potatoes, etc.Foaming is performed using water steam instead ofhydrocarbon-based blowing agents used for blowingPS.

Disposal: It dissolves when soaked with waterleaving just a dilute corn starch solution. The solutionis not toxic and is consumed by microbial life inabout ten days, leaving only carbon dioxide andwater.

It can also be re-used, recycled, incinerated, orcomposted along with other organic materials, sinceit decomposes very quickly.



Material Casein formaldehyde

Casein formaldehyde is a plastic ofnatural protein origin, made from organicsubstances such as milk, horn orvegetable products such as soy beans,wheat, etc.

It can be made to look like celluloid,ivory, or artificial horn.It is odourless, insoluble in water, andonly with difficulty inflammable.

In the first decades of this century, caseinformaldehyde was used to make buttons,pins, cigarette-cases, fountain pens,umbrella handles and radio cabinets.


Products Button for clothesGramophone box

References Plastic museum


Creation: Made from chemical modification ofcasein, which is a natural renewable resource.

AdditionalInfo

Casein formaldehyde was commercialised under thetrade names Galalith and Erinoid.



Material CA - cellulose acetate

Cellulose acetate (CA) is used fortransparent, translucent and opaqueobjects (e.g. typewriter keys, calculators,switches, car wheel coverings).

Furthermore, it is especially suitable forcoatings applications requiring highmelting-point, toughness, clarity, andgood resistance to ultraviolet light,chemicals, oils, and greases.

Cellulose acetate is an amorphousthermoplastic material belonging to thecellulosic resin family. It is obtained byintroducing the acetyl radical of aceticacid into cellulose (as cotton or woodfibres) to produce a tough plasticmaterial.

Danish Name CA - celluloseacetat


Products Knife-handleShoe-heelLamp shadePenUmbrella handle

References Plast og gummi ståbi


Creation: Made from chemical modification ofcellulose, which is one of the most diffuse organicsubstances in nature.

Use: Cellulose acetate is inflammable and burns witha yellowish flame producing a smelling smoke.Additive are often used to decrease its inflammabilityand to give the material self-estinguishing properties.

AdditionalInfo

First plastic to be injection moulded.Cellulose acetate becomes brittle at temperatureunder the freezing point.It is an insulator material and shows only a littletendency to electrostatic charging.



Material Horn

It is an organic material containing 80%keratin. It is thermoplastic and can beworked after dry heating or immersion inboiling water or alkaline solutions.

After softening it can be pressedobtaining objects and various laminas,such as tobacco containers, boxes,buttons, pens and combs. It wassuccessfully applied, especially inEngland, before the advent of plastics.

Danish Name Horn



Creation: Horn is natural organic material.



Aliphatic-aromatic copolymer


Aliphatic polyesters


CPLA - Polylactide aliphaticcopolymer


PCL - Polycaprolactone


PHAs - Polyhydroxyalkanoates


PLA - Polylactide


Starch-based biopolymers (5-10% starch)


Starch-based biopolymers(40-80 % starch)


Starch-based biopolymers (>90% starch)


Foamed starch


Casein formaldehyde


CA - cellulose acetate


Biopolymers are usuallyproduced from plants and areoften biodegradable.

Back

Products Compostable bag

This compostable lawn and leaf bag ismade of PLA.It is designed expressly for collecting yardwaste as part of municipal compostingprogrammes, and offers an alternative tokraft paper collection bags.

Like kraft paper lawn and leafs bags, thebiopolymer bags eliminate the need toseparate bags from their contents atcompost sites. Both degrade and are easyto print on.

Compared to paper bags advantages are:improved wet strength, better punctureresistance, visibility of content, ease ofhandling and closing, as well ascompactness which minimises storagerequirements.

Category Outdoor equipment

Materials PLA

Processes Blow moulding

References Cargill Dow Polymers LLC

Keywords BiopolymerBiodegradableCompostingTransparent

Price Competitive with the price of paper bags.

Environ-mentalnotes

Use: Bags designed only for degradation throughcomposting, and only for carrying leaves, grass etc.They should not be used for waste such as ashes etc.

Disposal: The bag biodegrades along with the leaves,grass and wood chips inside it to create a rich, organichumus that can be used as a soil nutrient.

Process Blow moulding

Used for hollow parts of all sizes. A tube ofmolten plastics is extruded into an openmould.The mould closes and thereby the bottomof the part welds.

Hot air is blown into the tube and it is blown upuntil it fills out the mould cavity.

Parts can be produced in small and largequantities, since setup cost is low andtools/moulds are often made of aluminium andcheap.

DanishName

Blæsestøbning

Category Mass conserving processes, Plastic moulding

Materials PS ABS SAN PVC PC PE PP

Typicalproducts

Bottle for motor oilBottle for organic solventsTubing for a car

Competingprocesses

Injection blow moulding

References Dudek Plast A/SGravenhorst Plast A/SKornerup Plast Trading ApSRosti A/S

Pricenotes

Moulds can be produced at a relative low price. Setup times arelow.


Copyright © 1997, 1998 Torben Lenau

Process Injection moulding

For parts of all sizes which require accurate andcomplex geometry.Granular plastic or pellets are melted by frictionwith a rotating screw and actual heating, and theninjected into the mould.

Normally, the process is reserved tothermoplastics, but it can be used for shapingfibre reinforced thermoplastics or thermosettings.

When shaping composites, parts with goodmechanical properties cannot be produced as thecontent of fibres must be limited.Production volumes are medium to large, and thecycle time per part is very short.

DanishName

Sprøjtestøbning

Category Mass conserving processes, Plastic injection moulding

Materials PlasticsComposites

Typicalproducts

Disposable drinking glassHedge cutterMilestoneRazor, biodegradableRazor, ordinaryShaver, rechargeableSpoon, clasp typeSatellite boxWashing machine drumGearHinge for gramophone lidVideo front-panel

Competingprocesses

ExtrusionGas assisted injection moulding

References A. Johnsen Industri A/SHelarcoJotun Danmark A/SMolytex A/S

Pricenotes

The injection machine and the shaping mould are veryexpensive.

Additionalinfo

Possible to achieve good dimensional accuracy and surfacefinish.



Process Extrusion

Profiles of all shapes can be produced. In anextruder the material is heated and continuoslypushed by a rotating screw through a die with theshape of the profile. After the die, the profile iscooled by air or water and cut into desiredlengths.

Production volumes are normally high.

DanishName

Ekstrudering

Category Mass conserving processes, 2d plastic processes

Materials Most plastics

Typicalproducts

Garden hoseTubesMetal sheet edge protectionRailingsIce cube plastic bagPotholder

Competingprocesses

Injection mouldingBlow mouldingPultrusionCalandering

References DKI Plast A/SVestfos Plast A/SGlim Plastic Industri ApS



Products Pot for plants

This pot for plants is made of aliphaticpolyesters (Bionolle®)

Its biodegradability allows the plant to beplanted in soil with no need to extract itfrom its pot.

Category Outdoor equipment

Materials Aliphatic polyesters

References Showa Highpolymer Co. Ltd.

Keywords BiopolymerBiodegradableOutdoorRenewable resources

Environ-mentalnotes

See aliphatic polyesters

Similarproducts

Compostable bag

Photo Showa Highpolymer Co. Ltd.


Process Vacuum forming

Well suited for larger plastic parts since toolsinvestments are low. Also used for high volumeproduction of e.g. disposable cups and chocolatepackaging. The surface facing the mould has thebest quality. Material thickness is difficult tocontrol.

A sheet of thermoplastic material is heated to thesoftening point. The sheet is positioned over amould with small air canals, and a vacuum pullsthe sheet into the mould.

Vacuum is normally sufficient due to the lowstrength in the material being formed, but for amore complex geometry, additional air ormechanical pressure can be applied.

DanishName

Vacuum formning

Category Mass conserving processes, Plastic shaping

Materials Most thermoplastics e.g. ABS PC PP PS PE

Typicalproducts

Dolphin, bicycle trailer base partKimBox suitcaseAppliance housingDisposable cupsCommercial signShaped packagingRefrigerator inside panels

Competingprocesses

Rotation mouldingBlow mouldingInjection moulding

References Bramstoft & Wassmann ApSCretex A/SHelge Buch's Eftf. ApS

Pricenotes

Low tooling costs

Products Razor, biodegradable

A double-bladed razor with replaceablehead. Handle and razor heads are made ofbiodegradable plastic.

DanishName

Barberhøvl, bionedbrydelig

Category Personal items, Personal care

Materials PHA (handle and razor head)Stainless steel (blades)PS and paper (packaging)

Processes Injection moulding (handle)Insert moulding (razor head)Packaging:ExtrusionVacuum forming

References Kay Razor

Keywords Personal accessoriesCutting functionShaveBiodegradablePlastic

Price Retail price, for 1 handle with 5 razor heads (9/95)DKK 30,-.

Environ-mentalnotes

Materials / Production: The plastic is made frmrenewable resources.Use / Transport: The razor it self does not use energy,but use require water, soap and energy for heatingwater.Disposal: putrification or inceneration.

Similarproducts

Razor, ordinaryShaver, rechargeable


Products Shampoo bottle, biodegradable

This shampoo bottle is manufactured frombiodegradable PHBV plastic(commercially named BiopolTM).

The biodegradable shampoo bottle is thefirst major product to be produced usingthis material.

The closure is injection moulded and thebottle is blow moulded.

Category Personal items, Personal care

Materials PHBV

Processes Injection moulding (closure)Blow moulding (bottle)

References Monsanto CompanyWella

Keywords BottleBiodegradableBiopolymerPHBVBiopolTM

Price Approximately 4 DKK/bottle (retail, 1995)

Environ-mentalnotes

Creation: The plastic is made from renewableresources using traditional production methods.

Disposal: The bottle will degrade throughcomposting.

Similarproducts

Razor, biodegradable

Photo Monsanto Company


Products Pen, biodegradable

This "green pen", with the exception ofthe ink refill, is made from the corn starchbased material Mater-Bi®.

It is very similar to an ordinary plasticpen, but degrades when disposed in acomposting site or in natural environment.

Category Dwelling & office appliances, office equipment

Materials Starch-based biopolymer (Mater-Bi®)

Processes Injection moulding

References Novamont S.p.A.Enpac

Keywords BiopolymerBiodegradablePenOffice equipment

Price Approximately 11 DKK (retail, 1997)

Environ-mentalnotes

Creation: The pen is made from renewable resourcesusing traditional production methods.

Disposal: The pen will disintegrate in about 12months after being disposed.


Products Starch-based tube

This tube is made of corn starch, isenvironment-friendly and is designed todecompose in water.

The tube is a direct alternative toconventional spiral-wound tubepackaging, including flexible plastics andcorrugated paper.The product can also be made in a varietyof vibrant colours.

Category Dwelling & office appliances, office equipment

Materials Thermoplastic starch

References American Excelsior Company

Keywords BiopolymerBiodegradableStarchPackagingWater-soluble

Environ-mentalnotes

Creation: The tube is made from renewable resourcesusing traditional production methods.

Disposal: The tube is designed to dissolve in waterafter use.


Products Loose-fill

This loose-fill for packaging industry ismade of foamed starch.

It offers numerous disposal alternativesand can be a good substitute ofCFCs-blown PS.

Category Packaging

Materials Foamed starch

Processes Water steam foaming

References National Starch & ChemicalAmerican Excelsior Company

Keywords BiopolymerBiodegradableStarchPackagingWater-soluble

Environ-mentalnotes

Creation: Made from renewable materials.Environment-friendly foaming process.

Disposal: See foamed starch.


Products Disposable cup

The cup shown appears very similar tonormal PS disaposable cups, and diaplayssimilar characteristics as far as thermalinsulation and resistance to fluids areconcerned.

Category Food, Food equipment

Materials Foamed starch

Processes Water steam foamingPressing

References Biotec GbmH

Keywords BiopolymerBiodegradableStarchPackaging

Environ-mentalnotes

Creation: Made from renewable materials.Environment-friendly foaming process.

Disposal: Once disregarded, the cup will completelydecompose into useful compost.


Products Button for clothes

This buttons are made of caseinformaldehyde.They show the different decorationpossibilities that this material can give.

Category Personal items, Clothes

Materials Casein formaldehyde

References Bottonificio Ontano

Keywords BiopolymerDecoration3D decorationClothes

Environ-mentalnotes

Creation: See casein formaldehyde.


Products Gramophone box

The box housing this gramophone iscoated with a layer of caseinformaldehyde.

The antique gramophone from 1950shows how casein formaldehyde can givea beautiful surface appearance.

Category Dwelling & office appliances, Home electronics

Materials Casein formaldehyde

References Plastic museum

Keywords BiopolymerDecorationHome electroniocs

Environ-mentalnotes

Creation: See casein formaldehyde.


Material Biopolymers Biopolymers are polymers that are generated

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