Solazyme, Mitsui Team up to Jointly Develop Suite of Customized Algal Oils for Plastic Applications

Solazyme, Inc., a renewable oil and bioproducts company, and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. announced recently that they have entered into a $20 million multi-year agreement to jointly develop a suite of triglyceride oils for use primarily in the oleochemical industry. The agreement includes further development of Solazyme's breakthrough high myristic algal oil, a valuable raw material in the oleochemical industry, as well as additional oils that Solazyme is developing for the oleochemical and industrial sectors.

Product development is expected to span a multi-year period, with periodic product introductions throughout the term of the joint development alliance. End use applications may include renewable, high-performance polymer additives for plastic applications, aviation lubricants, and toiletry and household products.

"Mitsui's extensive knowledge of the end use markets for the jointly-developed triglyceride products, including both the oleochemical industry and applications further downstream, makes Mitsui an ideal fit for Solazyme," said Jonathan Wolfson, CEO, Solazyme. "We look forward to rapid progress on our research and development efforts, and to commercialize these novel products thereafter."

"Collaborating with Solazyme allows us to develop highly attractive products to penetrate the traditional oleochemicals industry, and expand beyond the supply limitations caused by both regional oil production and constraints in conventional oil profiles. Solazyme's flexible manufacturing process and oil tailoring capabilities helps to support long-term competitiveness, independent of price swings inherent to this industry, while allowing us to produce tailored oils that are in demand in the marketplace," said Mr. Daiji Kojima, General Manager of Specialty chemicals Division, Mitsui. "Mitsui looks forward to strengthening its position in the oleochemicals industry through the successful development and commercialization of these novel products as a potential source of new sustainable materials to oleochemical companies including Mitsui's subsidiary, Palm-Oleo Sdn.Bhd."

Solazyme®, the Solazyme logo and other trademarks or service names are the trademarks of Solazyme, Inc.


Source: Solazyme

Evonik's VESTAKEEP® PEEK-based K7 LLC's Cervical Spacer Gains US FDA's 510(K) IBF Clearance

K7 LLC's K7C™ Cervical Spacer, a spinal implant device using Evonik's VESTAKEEP® PEEK (polyetheretherketone), has received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) 510(k) approval for use as an Intervertebral Body Fusion (IBF) device.

This marks the first time a VESTAKEEP® PEEK-based spinal fusion medical device has gained 510(k) approval from the FDA. The K7C™ Cervical Spacer is one of several PEEK-based spinal implant devices being developed by K7 LLC.

Michael Smith, founder and CEO of K7 LLC attributed VESTAKEEP® PEEK's durability as a key component in gaining FDA 510(k) clearance. "We could not be more pleased with the test results and material durability of VESTAKEEP® PEEK", said Smith. "The inherent strength and added ductility have created new possibilities for our PEEK implant designs."

Evonik's customers can reference the VESTAKEEP® PEEK product line Masterfiles (MAF), documents containing comprehensive test data on the product's mechanical and biocompatible properties that meet FDA regulatory requirements, to help guide future registration processes for implant medical devices.

"Creating innovative solutions for our customers is a core component of Evonik," said Sanjeev Taneja, vice president of Evonik's High Temperature Polymers Business. "The FDA approval is a testament to the product quality of VESTAKEEP® PEEK and the strength of its MAF. It is also an example of the long-term commitment Evonik has in the medical device and orthopedic industries. This approval validates Evonik as a true player in the implant PEEK market."

VESTAKEEP® PEEK is known for its superior biocompatibility and biostability. Its excellent sterilization resistance and good combination of stiffness and ductility make it suitable for medical implant applications that must meet extremely high mechanical, thermal, and chemical requirements.

"Significant investments and thorough material testing have been completed on the VESTAKEEP® PEEK product line to ensure Masterfile strength and preparedness," said Kenneth Ross, Evonik's VESTAKEEP® medical business development manager in North & South America. "We know VESTAKEEP® PEEK will serve as an outstanding medical material driving innovation in new product ideas and metal replacement developments."

The VESTAKEEP® PEEK iGrade material also has regulatory clearance for spinal implants in Europe and Asia. With this 510(K) approval, customers will now have easier access to regulatory approvals in the United States market.

Evonik's VESTAKEEP® PEEK products will be exhibited at the Medical Design and Manufacturing (MD&M) West show in Anaheim, Calif., on February 12-14, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) show in Chicago, Ill., on March 20-22.

Source: Evonik

Renault-Nissan Sponsors Luxus, Milliken for VDI Conf; to Unveil Luxus' PP Compound for Car Interiors

Technical plastics recycling and compounding company Luxus and plastics additive manufacturer Milliken have been sponsored by the Renault-Nissan alliance to speak at the next international VDI conference, 'Plastics in Automotive Engineering', 13-14th March 2013, Mannheim, Germany.

Sharing the stage at VDI will be Terry Burton, Technical Manager, Luxus, Adam Watson, Business Development Manager, Milliken and Mark Ellis, Manager Engineer Materials Design, Renault-Nissan. They will be discussing product trials of Luxus' next evolution in polymer development — a new highly sustainable material for auto car interiors known as Hycolene™.

This new lightweight Polypropylene compound will enable OEMs to significantly lower the weight of the average car, reduce CO₂, deliver improved fuel economy and help meet EU emissions targets. Developed to replace standard talc filled grades for car interior components, it offers a reduced filler content of just 10% down from a typical 25%.

Hycolene will enable much lower weight vehicle components to be manufactured, without compromising on performance and design flexibility. But most importantly, it's made from up to a high 60 per cent recycled content so its offers manufacturers a highly sustainable choice too.

Renault-Nissan's, Mark Ellis explains: "Both Luxus' technical capabilities and its desire to push the boundaries of Polypropylene applications above and beyond that of virgin material by using a high recyclate is a major achievement and one that Renault-Nissan is keen to support."

Luxus', Terry Burton also comments: "We are very pleased to have been asked by the Renault-Nissan alliance to showcase our development work with Milliken at this key event in the automotive calendar.

"For the last ten years our thermoplastic materials have been revolutionizing auto interior design worldwide. But it has never before been more important than it is today to develop sustainable materials for car interiors that can deliver a competitive advantage for OEMs in what is a highly sophisticated and rapidly changing market.

"Eco materials can dramatically affect the final product and its impact on the environment, while consumers too are becoming more aware of the eco-friendly handling of materials and are thinking in material cycles. This is why sharing our development of Hycolene at VDI is so important at this time."

Source: Luxus

SPI Bioplastics Council Updates on 'Guidance on Marketing Claims for Biodegradation'

The Bioplastics Council, a special interest group of SPI: the Plastics Industry Trade Association, recently announced the release of a position paper addressing the issue of degradable additives. The new paper, an update to the Council's original 2010 paper, questions the scientific validity of biodegradability claims made by producers of degradable additives products. In addition, the Council has also made a presentation on this paper on Wednesday, January 30 at the U.S. Composting Council's annual conference in Orlando, Florida.

Since its inception in 2008, the SPI Bioplastics Council has placed consumer and industry education at the core of its mission. A key Council objective is emphasis on clarifying "bioplastics-related" marketing claims. In the position paper released, the Council outlines the issues and questions concerning degradable additives in order to support consumers, retailers and the plastics industry in identifying unsubstantiated and misleading product claims.

"We felt it was important to update our 2010 position paper because new terminology is now being used in the marketplace and new studies have become available," said Melissa Hockstad, SPI Vice President, science, technology and regulatory affairs. "The 2013 version also includes updated information about standards and certification programs, as well as a new section on 'Guidance on Marketing Claims for Biodegradation.'"

The SPI Bioplastics Council position stressed that any claim, especially claims for consumers, needs to be supported by third-party vetted scientific evidence based on well-established standard specifications. In the case of degradable additives the issue is one of claiming "biodegradation" where there is no evidence to support those claims or prove biodegradability as per accepted, third-party vetted specifications. As bioplastics products continue to grow, it is the duty of the industry to provide clear, substantiated scientific third-party certifications that will assure stakeholders that the products offered meet their requirements for end-of-life and offer real value in their intended use.

The SPI Bioplastics Council considers the use of terms without reference to existing acceptable standard specifications misleading, and as such are not reproducible and verifiable. Under these conditions the terms "degradable," "oxo-degradable," "oxo-biodegradable" and "oxo-green" "oxo-biodegradable," lack meaning and are not supported by any recognized industry certifications or third-party peer reviewed scientific data.

"Through its commitment to education, the Council has made a pointed decision to insist on bringing clarity to the bioplastics market," stated Hockstad. In addition she notes that "the Bioplastics Council supports legitimate scientific data as recommended by state and federal agencies and stresses the need for all companies, when making product claims, to work along guidelines defined by the Federal Trade Commission."

Launched in 2008, the Bioplastics Council was created to provide a forum for the full bioplastics value chain to promote the development and growth of the bioplastics industry. Currently, the members of the group are BASF Corporation, DuPont, Ecospan, Jamplast, Metabolix, NatureWorks LLC, Nypro Inc., PolyOne Corporation, Teknor Apex and UL.

Source: SPI

Solvay Redesigns Business Activities to Advance Innovations in Sustainable Chemistry

Solvay presented the new structure for its business activities and leadership team. The Group has redesigned its organization, with a far-reaching review of business processes and corporate functions, and a focus on simplifying and decentralizing its management structure. Thanks to these changes, Solvay is more agile and in a better position to seize growth opportunities, whilst keeping customer focus, operational excellence, corporate social responsibility, and innovation in sustainable chemistry, at the top of its priorities.

"Today's Solvay is the result of the successful integration of Solvay and Rhodia and an extensive transformation. Few groups would have been able to bring about such major changes in such a short period of time. Through the mobilization of our teams, we have managed to convert the two former companies into one of the ten largest chemical companies worldwide. Our new signature, Asking more from chemistry, is more than a pledge; it's a vision and a challenge to which we are fully committed," said Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, Chairman of Solvay's Executive Committee.

Five Operating Segments Showcasing Solvay's Areas of Expertise

Showcasing Solvay's areas of expertise, the new business organization has five Operating Segments. The Operating Segments reflect the different business models most adequate to the diverse business drivers and competitive dynamics across the Group's portfolio, ensuring focus on the critical levers for success.

The Operating Segments and their comprising Global Business Units (GBU) are at the heart of the Group's growth and value creation ambition. They are committed to delivering growth, profits and cash generation in the short and mid-term. Reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit embedded within Solvay's culture, the GBUs focus on customers and markets, and are endowed with the relevant operational levers to execute their strategic roadmaps.

Effective as from January 1st, 2013, Solvay's business organization is as follows:

• Consumer Chemicals serves the consumer products markets. Its strategy is based on the development of a sustainable offering suited to the major market mega trends of demographic growth, emerging markets' increasing purchase power, the appearance of new modes of consumption and a demand for safer, more sustainable and bio-based solutions.
• Advanced Materials focuses on ultra-high performance applications addressing the needs of industries such as advanced transportation, healthcare, energy efficient tires, automotive emission control, smart devices or hybrid vehicles batteries.
• Performance Chemicals operates in specific, highly resilient and mature markets whose key success factors are principally, economies of scale, competitiveness, and quality of service.
• Functional Polymers brings together the Chloro-Vinyls chain and Polyamide activities of the Group to serve mainly the construction and infrastructure, automotive and electrical/electronics industries.
• Corporate Business and Services includes the Solvay Energy Services GBU as well as all the Corporate Functions, including Solvay Business Services and the Research & Innovation Center.

The Executive Committee, a Collegial Body to Support Business and Growth

Acting as a collegial body, the Executive Committee is responsible for the Group's vision, setting mid and long-term strategy, monitoring delivery of results and optimizing resource allocation across businesses. It is collectively responsible for overall value creation and for the preservation of the Group's global interests.

The Executive Committee includes six members: Jean-Pierre Clamadieu (CEO), Bernard de Laguiche (CFO), Gilles Auffret, Vincent De Cuyper, Roger Kearns and Jacques van Rijckevorsel. Each member of the Executive Committee closely supervises dedicated Operating Segments and Corporate Functions.

Source:Solvay

Bayer Opens Polymer Development & Tech Center in S. Korea Targeting PC Applications in Auto

Bayer MaterialScience, a subgroup of the Bayer Group and one of the world leading materials providers, has officially opened its first Polymer Development & Technology Center in South Korea. Located in the city of Yongin near the capital Seoul, it will focus on the development of new polycarbonate applications for high-tech products from Korean companies especially in the automotive and IT sectors. The new tech center adds to a network of research and development hubs around the globe and major production sites in Asia Pacific.

"Over the past decade, Korea has emerged as a center for cutting-edge high-tech products," said Michael Koenig, Executive Committee Member of Bayer MaterialScience and Head of the Polycarbonate Business Unit. "Large Korean companies are offering their latest technology worldwide, but their development and research mainly happens in Korea. With our new tech center we can be closer to them, better engage in long-term R&D partnerships and fulfill their needs with greater efficiency and speed." Koenig believes that the center will become a driving force in the further development of innovative products in Korea.

Bayer strategically selected Yongin as a location given its proximity to other R&D centers and manufacturing facilities of many of Korea's global companies. Starting with the opening, the center will provide technical advisory for Korean customers regarding polycarbonate applications in high-tech segments such as automotive or IT products (e.g. smart phones, laptops, TV stations etc.). From the third quarter of 2013, it will develop new applications product concepts with major Korean companies through collaborations as well as sample production and testing in the context of customer advisory.

The opening of the center reflects Bayer's ongoing commitment to enhancing its presence in Asia Pacific to offer local customers better access to the company's know-how, expertise and advanced application technology. The tech center is part of a global network R&D and application development centers, including the main regional innovation hubs in Pittsburgh (USA), Leverkusen (Germany), and Shanghai (China) from which further expertise can be drawn.

Additionally, the new center will be supported by a strong network of production sites in Asia Pacific with major production sites in Shanghai, Map Ta Phut (Thailand), and Niihama (Japan). The region makes up 60% of worldwide polycarbonate demand.


Source: Bayer MaterialScience

DLPC, Showa Denko Team-up to Manufacture Starch-based Biopolymer Bionolle Starcla for Bags

A UNIT of newly listed D&L Industries, Inc. has sealed an agreement with Japan-based Showa Denko K.K. to manufacture Bionolle Starcla, described as an environmentally friendly compound positioned an alternative to non-biodegradable plastic used for bags, D&L said in a statement on Friday last week.

"D&L Polymer and Colours, Inc. (DLPC), a subsidiary of D&L, and Showa Denko, one of the Japan's leading chemical engineering companies, have signed an original equipment manufacturing agreement covering the compounding, manufacturing, and distribution in the Philippines of Bionolle Starcla," the statement read.

New Product

Bionolle Starcla is a starch-based biopolymer that fully decomposes within one to two months of exposure to bacteria. It is used to make compost, garbage, and shopping bags. It is a product of Showa Denko, a manufacturing company founded in 1908 initially to make and sell iodine in China, Japan, Showa Denko's Web site read. The company is currently engaged in the manufacture of petrochemicals, industrial gases, chemicals, ceramics, carbons, aluminum, electronics, and battery components.

"Showa Denko is a tech company and they [sic] develop these material technologies… but they don't have a large-scale manufacturing capability like we would," Alvin D. Lao, D&L Executive Vice-president and Chief Financial Officer, said in a telephone interview last Saturday.

D&L will manufacture Bionolle Starcla at its 50,000 metric ton-capacity plant in Canlubang, Laguna, for one year until Nov. 19, the statement added.

"We've already done some test runs and produced some in small quantities which we exported back to Showa Denko in Japan," Mr. Lao said.

D&L will manufacture Bionolle Starcla for local use, and at the same time supply Showa Denko which in turn will handle the product's overseas marketing and distribution, he explained. D&L is confident its new product will help the environment and at the same time help the struggling plastics industry, which has been hit as more and more local governments of major urban centers ban the use of plastic shopping bags.

"Bionolle Starcla will breathe new life into the plastics industry, which has lost almost 40% of its business to bans," Lester A. Lao, DLPC Managing Director, said in the statement.

Growing Market

"At the same time, we are also complementing the paper industry as we help them enhance their products and still be environment friendly." In its statement, D&L explained that Bionolle Starcla may be used to make thin film laminates to reinforce paper bags and cups. D&L cited growing market potentials of Bionolle Starcla and similar materials.

"Based on studies, global production capacity for eco-friendly plastics will see a four-fold jump in five years from 1.2 million metric tons in 2011 to 5.8 million tons in 2016," the company said in the statement.

Bionolle Starcla is D&L's second environmentally friendly product after it introduced in 2007 BIOmate, a plastic compound used for shopping bags that partially decomposes after some time.

Source: D&L Industries