TAGS: Biobased Solutions K 2019
Total Corbion PLA will be exhibiting at K2019 from 16 – 23 October in Dusseldorf, Germany. The company will be co-exhibiting together with parent company Total, and will highlight its Luminy® Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) portfolio and the most recent application innovations.
Luminy® PLA – A Versatile Biopolymer
The Luminy® PLA portfolio includes both high heat and standard grades and is used in a wide range of markets, from packaging to durable consumer goods and electronics.
At K 2019, Total Corbion PLA will be showcasing a number of partner applications based on PLA to illustrate the range of possibilities offered by this versatile biopolymer.
PLA Thermoformed Cup
- To showcase the high heat capabilities of PLA, visitors are welcome to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee at the Total Corbion PLA booth (hall 6 / booth E23), served in a PLA thermoformed cup.
- The cups are available under the naturesse product range by Pacovis.
- The cups are biobased, made from renewable materials and have a reduced carbon footprint compared to PS cups.
- In addition to coffee, Clipper tea –in PLA-based tea bags– and Sant’Anna water –in PLA bottles– will also be served to visitors.
- PLA-lined paper cups, produced by EcNow Tech under their Earth Smart range, will also be on display.
- Featuring a PLA lining that can withstand boiling water, they are a sustainable alternative to the traditional PE-lined variety based on oil-based plastics.
- The cups have a lower carbon footprint and can be industrially composted after use (where local facilities exist).
Other high heat PLA applications on display at K 2019 include coffee capsules for Nespresso machines from ATI and tea bags from Nonwoven Network.
PLA/PHA-based Potato Chip Packaging
Pepsico and Danimer have developed a compostable PLA/PHA-based potato chip packaging for the Chilean market. PLA/PHA-based drinking straws from Danimer are another innovation that help reduce the environmental impact of plastics.
PLA-coated Packaging
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Additional PLA innovations include PLA-coated paper drinking straws from Shanghai Xinxin and PLA single-use shot glasses by Propac.
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A ‘slate-look’ bioplastic thermoformed black platter for attractive presentation of foods such as cheese, sushi and finger food has been developed by Pack & Proper.
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PLA pots from organic yoghurt brand Les 2 Vaches (Danone) will be on display, which replace traditional PS yoghurt pots, along with a thermoformed food tray from Cuki Professional.
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Biobased and industrially compostable PLA trays for strawberries in the UK have been launched by S&A Group and Voges, as well as compostable PLA breakfast cereal packaging by TIPA in the Netherlands.
Durable innovations include PLA-based butterfly feeders from ABM and Belightful Design, PLA bottle openers from ABM, PLA-based cosmetics jars by Berry Bramlage, PLA computer mouse by Nager-IT and PLA rulers by Pratel in Italy.
Other examples of PLA applications include single-use PLA aprons from Gaia, foamed ice cream packaging from Synprodo, compostable PLA food packaging from Bio4Pack, PLA non-woven applications from Yangtze and PLA toothbrushes from PolyAlloy.
Reduced Carbon Footprint Versus Traditional Plastics
- PLA resins are made from annually renewable resources and are 100% biobased according to EN16785-1, offering a reduced carbon footprint versus many traditional plastics.
- At the end of its useful life, PLA products can be mechanically or chemically recycled. PLA is also compostable according to EN13432.
- Compostable applications such as bin liners help to divert organic waste from landfill.
- Similarly, replacing conventional plastics with biodegradable plastics in applications used in the environment offers a responsible end-of-life solution in otherwise difficult to recover/reuse situations (i.e., plastic mulch films, nets, etc.)
Sustainable End-of-Life Scenario
Responsible use of resources is of extreme importance to Total Corbion PLA and this includes optimal end-of-life solutions for PLA applications. The company is active in a number of mechanical and chemical recycling projects, including the re-CUP project where, together with Danone, CITEO, Looplife, Veolia and a few other parties, Total Corbion PLA is exploring the options for collecting and recycling PLA yoghurt cups on the French market.
Technical experts will be available at K show on the Total Corbion PLA booth for converters and brand owners who wish to discuss the most sustainable end-of-life scenario for their PLA application.
Source: Total Corbion PLA