Wageningen Develops Green Industrial Platform Using Microalgae to Produce Renewable Polymers

The 4-year SPLASH project will develop a new biobased industrial platform using microalgae as a renewable raw material for the sustainable production and recovery of hydrocarbons and (exo)polysaccharides from the species Botryococcus braunii and further conversion to renewable polymers. The project comprises of 20 partners of which 40% SME and several large corporates plus universities and research institutes.

Two bioproduction platforms will be explored: (1) green alga Botryococcus braunii on its own and (2) the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, to which the unique hydrocarbon and polysaccharides producing genes from Botryococcus will be transferred.

SPLASH will deliver knowledge, tools and technologies needed for the establishment of a new industry sector: Industrial Biotechnology with algae and/or algal genes for the manufacture of polyesters and polyolefins. The building blocks for these polymers will be derived from the sugars (polyesters) and hydrocarbons (polyolefins) exuded by the algae: adipic acid from galactose, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid from glucose, rhamnose and fucose, 1,4-pentanediol from rhamnose and fucose, ethylene from 'green naphtha', propylene from 'green naphtha'.

The conversion of ethylene and propylene to polyolefins is common technology, and will not be included in the project. The sugar-derived building blocks will be converted to new condensation polymers, including poly(ethylene 2,5-furandioate) (PEF) and poly(1,4-pentylene adipate-co-2,5-furandioate). End-use applications include food packaging materials and fibers for yarns, ropes and nets.

The project encompasses

1. Development of Botryococcus as an industrial production platform
2. Systems biology analysis
3. Development of procedures for production, in situ extraction and isolation
4. Product development

Source: Wageningen UR

Lubrizol Corp Introduces Estane® Soft Plasticizer-free TPUs for Athletic Footwear Applications

The Lubrizol Corporation offers Estane® soft plasticizer-free thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) for athletic footwear applications. An alternative to conventional plasticized TPUs, Lubrizol's plasticizer-free TPUs provide an option for manufacturers sensitive to today's more stringent environmental requirements.

Conventional soft TPUs contain a phthalate-type plasticizer that may be subject to regulation by environmental agencies. In addition, such plasticizers can gradually migrate to the surface of the molded product, creating poor aesthetics and altering the bonding strength.

Lubrizol's line of plasticizer-free TPUs exhibit the performance attributes for which the company's engineered polymers are well known, including excellent flexibility, softness, abrasion resistance and moldability. Lubrizol's soft plasticizer-free Estane TPUs are available in both a polyester series (Estane T460AH, Estane T460A, Estane T465A and Estane T470A) and a polyether series (Estane T365A and Estane T370A). The Estane soft plasticizer-free TPUs range between 60A to 77A Shore hardness and offer high transparency and outstanding UV stability versus plasticizer-containing TPUs, qualities which best fit various accessory shoe components. These products are also ideal as replacements for rubber and PVC in various molding applications.

"The footwear industry is facing significant challenges in a fast-moving competitive environment," explains Justin Park, Lubrizol's global marketing manager for footwear. "Our soft plasticizer-free portfolio is just one of the ways Lubrizol is positioning itself as a global solutions provider for the athletic footwear industry."

Source: Lubrizol Corporation

VTT Develops Tech that Enables Production of Biobased PGA Plastic for Eco-friendly Packaging

VTT Technical Research Center of Finland has developed a technique to significantly improve the quality of bio-based plastic packaging. The new generation of bio-based plastic packaging is not only eco-friendly but also has several superior qualities compared to traditional plastic packaging. The plastic packaging industry is moving towards completely bio-based products. The volume of oil used every year in the production of plastics equates to approximately five per cent of the world's total oil consumption. Approximately 40 per cent of all plastics are used in packaging, which puts special pressure on the packaging industry to reduce dependence on oil.The use of renewable natural resources in industrial applications reduces dependence on oil and the carbon footprint attributable to consumption. A transition to bio-based economy nevertheless requires products that are not only ecologically sustainable but also competitive in terms of quality. VTT has developed a technique that enables the production of the PGA monomer glycolic acid from bio-based materials more efficiently than before.

"Bio-based plastics are a tangible step closer to a bio-based economy. This new generation of plastic packaging not only reduces our dependence on oil but also offers superior quality compared to traditional plastic packaging", explains Research Professor Ali Harlin from VTT.Bio-based PGA plastic has excellent barrier properties. Adding PGA into the structure of traditional plastic packaging significantly improves its quality. In addition to strength and heat resistance, plastic packaging also needs to be airtight, vapour-proof and grease-resistant. Bio-based PGA plastic is between 20 and 30 per cent stronger than PLA — the most popular biodegradable plastic on the market - and able to withstand temperatures 20 degrees Celsius higher. It also breaks down more quickly than PLA, but its biodegradability can be regulated if necessary.

Growing Market:Bio-based plastic opens up new business opportunities for the forest industry: The estimated total volume of the global packaging market is approximately EUR 500 billion. The Chinese and Indian markets, for example, are growing rapidly. Ethical consumption principles and legislative changes are steering the packaging industry towards sustainable development. At the moment, bio-based plastic accounts for approximately one per cent of global plastic production.The volume of oil used every year in the production of plastics equates to approximately five per cent of the world's total oil consumption. Approximately 40 per cent of all plastics are used in packaging, which puts special pressure on the packaging industry to reduce dependence on oil. According to lifecycle analyses, carbon dioxide emissions from bio-based plastics can be as much as 70 per cent lower than from oil-based plastics.

Source:VTT

ECO Plastics & Coca Cola Enterprises' JV Picks up Green Business Award for Domestic Recycling

Continuum Recycling, ECO Plastics' groundbreaking joint venture with Coca Cola Enterprises (CCE) has been recognized at the Green Business Awards 2012. Sam Richardson, representing ECO Plastics, and CCE's Patrick McGuirk accepted the Partnership Award at a ceremony at Lords Cricket Ground on Monday 12th November.

The award was given in recognition of Continuum's impact on the domestic recycling sector, as well as for the partnership's ongoing engagement with supply chains, customers and employees.

An important milestone for both the drinks manufacturing and recycling industries, Continuum reprocesses used plastic bottles in its purpose built facility in Hemswell which are then transformed into new Coca Cola bottles. The joint venture has also provided an economic boost and created skilled jobs in rural Lincolnshire.

The award is the latest in a string of prizes and short listings for the Lincolnshire business. These include listings on the Hiscox Tech Track 100 and Cleantech Connect Top 30 wins at the New Energy Awards and Fbe East Midlands Awards, and Jonathan Short's appointment as an Industry Champion for BIS' Make it in Great Britain Campaign, which aims to promote British manufacturing and encourage investment in domestic markets.

Jonathan Short, Managing Director of ECO Plastics, commented: "The Green Business Awards is one of the most prestigious awards in the environmental sector so ECO Plastics are honored to have been recognized. It's fantastic to see the industry acknowledge the dedication and hard work put into this project. UK sustainable packaging has huge growth potential and we hope Continuum will provide a blueprint for similar projects in this sector."

Patrick McGuirk, Recycling Director at Coca Cola Enterprises, said: "We were absolutely delighted to accept this prestigious accolade alongside ECO Plastics. Continuum Recycling is a first for the industry and the award underlines the significant achievement in bringing this initiative together. At CCE we are serious about setting the industry standard for sustainable packaging, and Continuum represents a crucial part of our ongoing efforts to build a low carbon, zero waste business here in Great Britain."

Source: Coca Cola Enterprises Ltd

Direvo Commercializes BluCon™ Platform for Production of Chemicals from Non-food Biomass

Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH is commercializing its BluCon™ — platform for complete, one-step conversion of non-food feedstocks to carbohydrates used in the production of fuels and chemicals. In the recent years Direvo has undertaken a huge research program identifying a portfolio of proprietary microorganisms, which enable the lowest cost production of valuable chemicals from non-food biomass. The BluCon™ platform is extremely flexible both for the type of feedstock and the resultant high value fuels and chemicals produced. BluCon™ converts various non-food biomass ranging from grasses and straw to agricultural and wood residues and can therefore be applied around the globe. From an end product perspective, BluCon™ delivers transportation fuels like ethanol or chemical building blocks like lactic acid.

"After two years of extremely hard work, we are very excited to use our BluCon™ platform in solving global raw material supply and environmental concerns. Our technology will capture a significant share of the developing bio-based economy", CEO Jorg Riesmeier explains. BluCon™ technology platform is a so-called second generation biomass conversion technology. Contrary to first generation technology there is no need to use food feedstocks. The switch from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy is driven by global warming and by the finite nature of fossil fuels and sustainability. The gradual switch requires many new technologies at various levels. On a global basis, the demand for transportation fuels and chemical building blocks will continue to increase for foreseeable future. By 2050 the World Energy Council (WEC) forecasts that global fuel demand could increase as much as 82% compared to 2010 levels. In combination with dwindling public acceptance of fossil-based raw materials, this will lead to a high need for biofuels and bioplastics.

Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH is the only German company and one of very few in Europe developing such a technology. With decades of experience in "directed evolution" Direvo is perfectly positioned for the final steps of process development along with a network of commercialization partners. These are being carried out partly in house and partly in collaboration with global partners from industry and academia.

About Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH

Direvo is a biotechnology company with focus on the biomass conversion industry. Direvo identifies bottlenecks and weaknesses in current industrial processes in this sector and develops and implements biology-based solutions together with large and small industrial partners. Direvo's products are newly designed enzymes and microorganisms of the highest quality that provide easy-to-implement, cost-effective solutions. Direvo's contribution assures that partners stay competitive and profitable while supporting them to make the future cleaner, greener and safer.

Source: Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH

Bayer's Bayflex® Lightweight PU System for Construction Earns MATERIALICA Award 2012

The Bayflex® Lightweight polyurethane system from Bayer MaterialScience was honored with the "10th MATERIALICA Design + Technology Award 2012" at the MATERIALICA trade fair in Munich, Germany. A top-rank jury presented the "Best of" Award in the category "Material" for the high-performance and tough-elastic polyurethane construction material, which even floats on water due to its low density.

"We are delighted with this recognition of our commitment to sustainable material solutions," said Dr. Birgit Meyer zu Berstenhorst, project manager for this development. "Our new material weighs up to 30 percent less than the standard material and is thus a perfect fit for future drive concepts such as electric mobility."

This solution's light weight is attributable to the high-performance polyurethane system Bayflex® Lightweight together with a sophisticated combination of fillers instead of the mineral fibers used previously. "The excellent mechanical properties of the system are thus retained," added Meyer zu Berstenhorst. The compact material also offers great design freedom in vehicle construction.

The potential for innovation offered by this lightweight design concept can also be applied to other areas of application in mobility, such as trucks and buses. Bayer experts believe it is also suitable for use in the leisure and furniture sector, the construction industry and the IT segment.

Indian Company Jindal Poly Films to Acquire ExxonMobil's BOPP Global Films Business in US & EU

Jindal Poly Films Ltd (JPFL), a leading flexible packaging films producer, has entered into an agreement with ExxonMobil Chemical (ExxonMobil) to purchase ExxonMobil's Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) Global Films business. The agreement was signed on 26th October, 2012. The transaction remains subject to necessary approvals from regulatory authorities.

Mr. Hemant Sharma, CEO, JPFL said "We are excited to buy this business due to its excellent portfolio of premium products along with industry leading technology and R&D. We are equally excited to be acquiring an experienced and capable workforce. We are confident that, in combination with our existing Indian operations, we will be able to deliver effective long-term solutions to our customers globally."

The agreement covers five BOPP production locations in the U.S. and Europe. The manufacturing sites are in Georgia and Oklahoma in the U.S. and in Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium in Europe. The transaction also includes a technology center and sales office in Rochester, New York, and an office in Luxembourg. Approximately 1500 people work in those operations.

Source: Jindal Poly Films Ltd.