polymerguru

Europe's current position in producing bio-based polymers is limited to a few polymers. However, new developments and investments are foreseen: the first European industrial-scale PLA plant by 2014, the introduction of future  PET  production facilities by 2015, recent developments in the commercialization of bio-based  PBT  and further advancements in the field of high-value fine chemicals for  PA , PUR and thermosets production. Although Europe shows a strong demand for bio-based polymers, production tends to take place elsewhere, namely in Asia and America. The European Union's relatively weak position in the production of bio-based polymers is largely the consequence of an unfavorable political framework for the industrial material use of biomass. The European market data presents the latest findings of production capacities of bio-based polymers in Europe based on the market study published by the nova-Institute in spring this year and its continuou...

Cereplast, Inc.,among the leading manufacturers of proprietary biobased, compostable and sustainable  bioplastics, recently announced that MammaCangura by Bellelli, one among the world leaders in the design and manufacture of child bicycle carriers and trailers, is launching a line of child bicycle carriers made from Cereplast Biopropylene® 101 this fall. MammaCangura is manufacturing two child bicycle carriers made from Cereplast Biopropylene 101: FRECCIA ECO, a front-mounted child bicycle carrier, and MR FOX ECO, a rear-mounted child bicycle carrier. Initially, both carriers will be available for retail sale and purchase by MammaCangura North America at brick and mortar retailers in Canada. FRECCIA ECO Made from a non-toxic bioplastic frame, FRECCIA ECO is lightweight, solid and washable, featuring big-feet-shaped footrests, a secure handlebar for the child to play with, wide ventilation slots on the back and shoulders, a soft, removable and washable seat pad, a three-poi...

Casing thickness and weight considerably reduced with a total design freedom to achieve sleek and stylish forms Light enough to be taken anywhere, razor-thin and stylish, powerful and long-lasting: this is what defines a new generation of laptops – the “ultra- notebooks”. They address the needs of today’s technology-savvy people on the move. To help producers meet these demands even better, Bayer MaterialScience is launching a new material solution for the housings: reinforced polycarbonates that offer lightness, durability, and total design freedom, and allow fast and efficient mass production. “We are committed to providing solutions to the next trend of mobile computing,” says Steffan Huber, responsible for industrial marketing of information technology and appliances at Bayer MaterialScience’s Polycarbonates business unit. “These requirements call for a more sophisticated hardware made from higher performance materials.” The company’s solution based on reinforced polycarbonates...

Newlight Technologies inventor and manufacturer of AirCarbon™, announced that AirCarbon has been awarded a R&D 100 Award. The prestigious and influential R&D 100 Awards—also known as the "Oscars of Innovation"—are selected by a panel of independent industry experts and R&D Magazine editors, and recognize the most technologically significant innovations of the year.  Now in its 51st year, past R&D 100 Award winners include the fax machine (1975), liquid crystal display technology (1980), the Nicoderm anti-smoking patch (1992), the Taxol anticancer drug (1993), and HDTV (1998). A full list of the 2013 award recipients will be showcased in the September-October issue of R&D Magazine, and the award will be presented to Newlight at the R&D 100 Awards banquet on November 9 in Orlando. Founded in 2003, Newlight Technologies has invented, patented, and commercialized AirCarbon™, a paradigm-shifting material made by pulling carbon, such as methane and carbon d...

Global custom engineered thermoplastics compounder RTP Company has unveiled the latest addition to its Eco Solutions product portfolio with a new line of custom cellulose fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) compounds. These compounds, which utilize Weyerhaeuser's Thrive renewable cellulose fiber extracted from trees grown in sustainably managed forests, will facilitate the design and production of environmentally friendly products by providing favorable performance and economics to a wide range of durable applications. "RTP Company's new cellulose fiber reinforced PP compounds overcome many of the obstacles that have hindered the adoption of bio-based resins and natural fiber compounds," said Will Taber, Business Manager at RTP Company. "They will allow product developers to meet consumer demand for environmentally friendly products that are highly functional yet cost effective. Additionally, they can help processors and OEMs to meet their sustainability objec...