Toray to Supply CF Prepreg to Boeing for Aircraft Production

Toray Industries, Inc. announced it has signed a comprehensive long-term agreement with The Boeing Company to supply carbon fiber TORAYCA® prepreg for the production of the new Boeing 777X aircraft, extending the existing supply agreement for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The new agreement extends the comprehensive agreement that was signed in November 2005 by more than 10 years from this year. The total value of prepreg Toray Group will supply for both 787 and 777X programs for the contract period is expected to exceed 1.3 trillion yen ($11 billion). 

Together with the extension, Toray has made a decision to invest approximately 50 billion yen in new construction of an integrated production line for yarn (precursor), high-performance carbon fiber TORAYCA® with an annual production capacity of 2,000 tons, and TORAYCA® prepreg in the new commercial premises it acquired in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. It represents the first phase of a planned 100 billion yen investment, as Toray seeks to expand its composite materials business in the U.S. The new facility will also be Toray’s first integrated production line for yarn (precursor), carbon fiber TORAYCA® and TORAYCA® prepreg in the U.S. 

Toray will commence production of yarn (precursor) in phases starting in May 2017, and plans to begin supplying TORAYCA® prepreg to Boeing in 2019, following certification. 

As for the 787, TORAYCA® prepreg has been used since the beginning for some of the primary structural materials, including the main wings and body. With Boeing planning to raise the number of 787 aircraft being produced every month from the current 10 planes to 12 per month in 2016 and 14 per month by the end of the decade, and the ratio of larger models also expected to increase, the demand for carbon fiber composite materials also is expected to increase significantly. 

The 777X aircraft is a large-sized, twin-engine passenger aircraft currently being developed by Boeing as a successor to the existing 777, with a plan to deliver the first plane in 2020. With the conclusion of the agreement announced today, Toray’s TORAYCA® prepreg has been officially selected for these main wings. 

Preparing for the planned 787 production increase to 12 planes a month, Toray has already been working to expand TORAYCA® prepreg production facilities at its U.S. subsidiary, Toray Composites (America), Inc., in Tacoma, Washington, and the new facilities there are expected to start operation in January 2016. The integrated production line to be constructed in Spartanburg County, South Carolina is intended to meet growing demand generated by Boeing’s plan to increase production of 787 aircraft to 14 per month as well as the 777X program. The new facility will confidently position Toray to provide Boeing with a stable supply of products. 

Toray plans to expand the production facilities in Spartanburg County, South Carolina in phases, as shipments for the 787 and 777X aircraft grow. 

Toray is aiming to drive an exponential increase in aerospace applications in the composite materials business under its new medium-term management program Project AP-G 2016, which was launched in April 2014. Toray will continue to expand its infrastructure to ensure a stable supply of TORAYCA® prepreg in line with Boeing’s plan to increase output, while increasing the sophistication of its composite materials business in the U.S. as revenues grow. 

Source: Toray 

Perstorp Introduces Bio-based Renewable Capa™ for Bioplastics

Perstorp introduces renewable Capa™ for Bioplastics, the world’s first of its kind. This is a concept which builds on the Capa™ Lactide technology, which enables a high renewable content in combination with vast opportunities to develop products with optimized performance for different bioplastic applications. 

There is a strong trend towards sustainability and renewable material in the world. 1 Million plastic bags are used per minute throughout the year. Many of them end up in nature and stay there. By using Perstorp’s renewable Capa™ for Bioplastics those bags will biodegrade. 

“The challenge on the market has been to combine performance and biodegradability of the end application. With our renewable Capa™ concept we are redrawing the map by enabling products with high performing properties without compromising sustainability”, says Linda Zellner, Project Manager for Bioplastics. The renewable Capa™ concept enables freedom to design polymers that are flexible or hard, transparent or crystalline, tough or rigid and with a targeted melting point and polarity. Market indications show that these products are likely to deliver what many customers are looking for in terms of bio-based content and performance. Renewable Capa™ has been evaluated both in terms of compostability and bio-based content and is also certified as bio-based by the independent Belgian certification body Vinçotte. 

“This is a major milestone in delivering breakthrough technology to this important market for Perstorp,” says Marie Grönborg, Executive Vice President, Business Area Specialties & Solutions. “With this technology our customers can create solutions to keep a step ahead of the competition. We believe in the dynamic bioplastic market which still is young, fast growing and is looking for new innovations. With an annual estimated growth of 20% (European Bioplastics 2015), this is an exciting market for us to be in”, Marie Grönborg continues. 

Perstorp will continue to focus its efforts on three fast-growing bioplastic segments – paper coatings, bags and films, and packaging. It is already well established that Capa™ for Bioplastics is a biopolymer enhancer that offer stability and compatibility, improved mechanical properties, flexibility at low temperatures, and biodegradability. This effort is supported by Perstorp’s full industrial production and pilot facilities in Warrington, U.K. and its modern Swedish innovation center in Perstorp, for bioplastic formulations. 

Source: Perstorp 

ELIX Polymers Unveils NF-reinforced ABS Composite Apposite for 3D Printing

ELIX Polymers, among the leading specialists in ABS high performance materials, has introduced a new generation of natural fiber reinforced ABS. New ELIX ECO ABS-NF thermoplastic is highly suited for injection molding applications and specific extrusion processes, delivering a high aesthetical value to the final ABS-NF molded parts. Market applications include automotive and furniture markets. 

ELIX ECO ABS-NF can be processed without having to modify machines and offers a number of key benefits. These include high stiffness, heat resistance, low molding shrinkage ratios, low emissions and weight reduction when compared to glass fiber reinforced ABS. For example, ELIX ECO ABS-NF has a density of 1.12 compared to 1.15 for ABS-GF. The material has been also tested for 3D printing technology with impressive results, both in terms of processability and aesthetics. 

The development of ELIX Natural Fiber Reinforced ABS was undertaken under the auspices of the EEA and Norway Grants. This was the first time that a European ABS producer was given a European Grant for a project to investigate new sustainable ABS materials and composites. 

The EEA Grants and Norway Grants (eeagrants.org) represent the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to reducing economic and social disparities and to strengthening bilateral relations with 16 EU countries in Central and Southern Europe and the Baltics. 

Introducing the new generation ABS polymer composite, David Castañeda, Operations Director and responsible for new products and Business Development, said: “We believe that this new material offers a range of sustainability benefits that meet current industry trends. At the same time, it underlines ELIX Polymers’ commitment to the establishment of a more environmentally sustainable product portfolio and establishes our company’s position as a leading supplier of eco-friendly ABS materials.” 

David Castañeda added: “The introduction of this new generation material fully fits our key objective: to expand the company’s portfolio of materials for eco-friendly manufacturing, greater sustainability and health impact awareness.” 

Source: ELIX Polymers 

Forget Crude Oil Pricing; Compelling Reasons to Pursue BioMass Chemicals-to-Polymers Revolution: FEB 9-11

Just 5 years ago with oil at $150 a barrel, some stratagists were 
guestimating the world oil reserves depleting by 2050 and "Pursuit of Oil 
Independence" was the theme for most of the world. Today with crude at $45 
a barrel, is it fair to reverse the push for BioChemicals (vs 
PetroChemicals) ? Absolutely NO 
................................................................... 
Reason 1-of-3: ENVIRONMENT; 2016 Presidential Candidates Support This Issue 
BioMass based POLYMERS, CHEMICALS and FUELS will be the theme at this event 
and you will get updated on how traditional as well as newer polymeric 
materials are being developed from renewable “BioMass”, various types of 
“Wastes” and “Greenhouse Gases” vs traditional PetroChemicals; thereby 
revolutionizing the Sustainability & Environmental landscape like never 
before ! 

………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

More details @: 
http://www.BioplastConference.com

Metabolix Signs Stock Purchase Agreement with Aspire

Metabolix, Inc., an advanced biomaterials company focused on sustainable solutions for the plastics industry, announces that it has entered into a $20 million common stock purchase agreement with Aspire Capital Fund, LLC. Under terms of the agreement, Aspire has committed to purchase up to $20 million of Metabolix's common stock over a 30 month period beginning on the effective date of the registration statement relating to the transaction. Common stock may be sold from time to time at the company's option under a pricing formula based on prevailing market prices around the time of each sale. 

"The agreement with Aspire Capital provides us with a new way to access capital. Because we control the timing and pace of stock sales under the agreement, we can use this facility to opportunistically supplement other sources of capital as we continue to build our specialty biopolymers business over the next several years," said Joseph Shaulson, CEO and President of Metabolix. "We are pleased to welcome Aspire as a shareholder and look forward to having this additional flexibility in our capital structure." 

"We have been impressed with Metabolix's pivot from a commodity approach to one based on specialty applications for its high performance PHA biopolymer materials," said Steven G. Martin, Managing Member of Aspire Capital. "We look forward to providing Metabolix with access to additional capital to help support the successful execution of its business plan." 

Terms of the Aspire Capital Financing Agreement Include: 
Metabolix controls the timing and amount of all sales of common stock under the agreement 
Aspire Capital has no right to require any sale of shares by Metabolix, but is obligated to make purchases as Metabolix directs in accordance with the agreement 
There are no limitations on use of proceeds, financial covenants, restrictions on future financings, rights of first refusal, participation rights, penalties or liquidated damages 
Aspire Capital has agreed not to hedge or short Metabolix stock; and 
The agreement may be terminated by Metabolix at any time, at its discretion, without cost or penalty 
Metabolix plans to use the net proceeds from any sale of common stock under the agreement for general corporate purposes and working capital requirements. 

In connection with the transaction, Metabolix also entered into a registration rights agreement with Aspire Capital that requires Metabolix to file a registration statement covering Aspire Capital's sale of shares acquired under the agreement. Metabolix issued 300,000 shares of its common stock to Aspire Capital as a commitment fee under the purchase agreement. A more complete and detailed description of the purchase agreement and registration rights agreement is set forth in Metabolix's Current Report on Form 8-K filed today with the SEC. 

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. 

Source: Metabolix 

BioMass CHEMICALS-to-POLYMERS Revolution; Las Vegas, FEB 9-11, 2016

Bio based materials finds it application in various industry in the recent days.From waste to various bio-monomer and bio-polymer have been produced as the producers finds various options of feedstocks which even leads carbohydrates into PLA and Crude palm oil to PHA and others. 
The world's first bioplastic touchscreen computer offers very good heat and scratch resistance with improved impact resistance and high dimensional stability. 

*BioMass for Sustainable Future* 

*Re-Invention of Polymeric Materials* 

We are pleased to announce our 6th conference on BioMass: 

*Polymers-Chemicals-Fuels* 



Las Vegas, USA, February 9-11, 2016 

*COMPELLING REASONS to ATTEND* 

On October 27, 2014, President Obama announced BIO-BASED materials as 
1-of-3 emerging technologies for U.S. competitiveness. Such actions by the 
Governments around the world & private sector leadership have renewed the 
spirit of innovation over the last 5-7 years in the field of Chemicals & 
Polymers based on BioMass vs traditional PetroChemicals. However, a recent 
decline in crude oil prices has dampened the enthusiasm to an 
"Unjustifiable Extent" 


Join us on a journey through the world of " 

*BioMass for Sustainable Future: Re-Invention of Polymeric Materials*" to 
witness the progress towards shaping the future of Chemicals & Polymers; 
there are compelling reasons to be a part of *BioMass revolution... 
regardless of the crude oil prices!* 


For Registration / Sponsorship / Program Details, call Innoplast Solutions 
@ (973) 446-9531or visit our conference website: 

*www.BioplastConference.com 


*Feb 9 - PM: Optional Pre-Conference Course* 


Introduction to BioPlastics: Orientation 101 

BioPlastics: a Crash-Course on State-of-the-Industry 


*Feb 10-11: Main Conference* 

Session I: 

*BioRefineries-the Next Mega-Industry: * 

*U.S. Government & Private Sector Leadership* 


Session II: 

*BioPolymer Formulations in MarketPlace Today: * 

*Engineered via Blends, Alloys & Modifiers* 


Session III: 

*Brand-Owners: * 

*Creating Market-Pull for Biobased Products* 

Session IV: 

*Renewable Building Block PLATFORMS for Traditional & Newer Polymers* 

- Polyolefins 
- Polyesters 
- Nylons 
- Polycarbonates 
- Polyurethanes 
- Thermosets 

Session V: 

*BioMass WASTE & Geenhouse GASES as Platform: Plastics, Polymer 
Intermediates & BioFuels* 

- PHA Plastic from Various Wastes 
- BioFuels from Various Wastes 

BASF and Genomatica Expand License Agreement for Production of Renewable BDO

BASF and Genomatica have expanded the scope of their license agreement for the production of 1,4-butanediol based on renewable feedstock (renewable BDO) using Genomatica’s patented process. The parties added certain countries in Southeast Asia to their initial agreement, which focused on North America. 

The license agreement allows BASF to build a world-scale production facility that will use the Genomatica process to manufacture renewable BDO. BASF has secured rights to allow production of up to 75,000 tons per year. Under the terms of the agreement, Genomatica will continue to advance its patented GENO BDO™ process technology for the production of renewable BDO. The process, which includes a single-step fermentation, can be based on dextrose or sucrose as renewable feedstock. It was agreed not to disclose financial details of the license contract. 

BASF has produced commercial volumes of renewable BDO, offering it to customers for testing and commercial use. The quality of this BDO is comparable to petrochemical-based BDO. BASF also expanded its portfolio by producing and offering Polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF®) made from renewable BDO. 

“We are happy to expand our license agreement with Genomatica to the dynamic Asia-Pacific region,” said Stefan Blank, President of BASF’s Intermediates division, and added: “we appreciate Genomatica’s openness to give BASF greater flexibility to add BDO from renewable feedstock to our portfolio and to respond to market requirements.” 

"We’re delighted to provide BASF with these additional license rights for our GENO™ technology,” said Christophe Schilling, CEO of Genomatica. “We look forward to seeing our technology deliver sustainability benefits to our business partners, and through them, to end-users of everyday products.” 

BDO and its derivatives are used for producing plastics, solvents, electronic chemicals and elastic fibers for the packaging, automotive, textile, and sports and leisure industries, among others. BASF currently produces BDO and BDO equivalents at its sites in Ludwigshafen, Germany; Geismar, Louisiana; Chiba, Japan; Kuantan, Malaysia; and Caojing, China. BASF announced it would increase its global capacities for BDO to 650,000 metric tons and for PolyTHF to 350,000 metric tons by the end of 2015, and beginning of 2016, respectively. 

Source: Genomatica