from biobased polymers to bioplastics - certech · ranging from biobased materials to plastics and...

www.certech.be - [email protected]

An interface between R&D and applications

May 28 & 29, 2013Brussels, BELGIUM

Certech is member of

From Biobased Polymers to Bioplastics

Green polymer chemistry - New materials and additives - Innovative process or applications - Product development issues - Market developments

and expectations - Ecological performance - End of life options …

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An interface between R&D and applications

May 28 & 29, 2013Brussels, BELGIUM

Green polymer chemistry - New materials and additives - Innovative process or applications - Product development issues - Market developments

and expectations - Ecological performance - End of life options …


From Biobased Polymers to Bioplastics

2 From Biobased Polymers to Bioplastics 2013

The Centre of Technological Resources in Chemistry (Certech) is a contract research organiza-

tion offering a wide range of services to industries directly or indirectly involved with chemical

technology, such as automotive, building & construction, packaging, food, agriculture, personal

care, pharmaceutical, medical, energy, environment, etc.

Certech’s mission is to provide help, support and services to small and large industrial enter-

prises, by offering adequate analysis and measurements, problem-solving, contract research,

product and process development capabilities.

Certech has three different fields of activities having chemistry and sustainable development as

a common theme, namely Environment, Materials technology and Process intensification.

Environment

For more than 30 years, Certech has been developing a wide expertise in the fields of gas emis-

sion, optimisation of processes and improvement of materials to reduce their environmental

impact.

Certech is recognised as an independent and reliable research institute, dedicated to companies,

authorities and citizens.

Our R&D developments in the field of environment are mainly related to:

• Health & Safety: evaluation of the quality of air, risks assessment and environmental impact

• Energy: advanced materials, sustainable technologies, renewable resources

• Recycling: management of wastes and its valorisation into material and/or energy.

As a multidisciplinary research centre, Certech takes advantage from its other fields of expertise,

such as material science or process intensification, to develop synergies and deliver innovative

solutions to its customers.

Certech is looking for C2C (cradle to cradle) processes, working according to the green chemistry

concepts.

Certech is accredited for the measurement of odours and is approved for the control of atmos-

pheric pollution by regional authorities. Certech is active in 11 standardisation committees such

as AFNOR, EN or ISO.

3From Biobased Polymers to Bioplastics 2013

Materials formulation and technology

Certech expertise ranges from materials development (formulation, synthesis, blends,...) to

transformation and forming processes, allowing us to offer a large and diverse technical and

scientific support to our partners and customers looking for a global expertise in the field of

material science.

Among the different materials studied at Certech, polymers and composites as well as sol-gels

constitute the major part of our activity. A complete set of processing equipments along with

large advanced analytical capabilities are available.

As green management has become a major topic for industrials within the last years, Certech has

developed a strong expertise in materials and processes with a reduced environmental impact,

ranging from biobased materials to plastics and composites recycling processes.

Process intensification

Process Intensification is a relatively new approach in the chemical industry.

The use of extreme reaction conditions is the key to this new technology (very high temperature

and pressures, short reaction times, continuous processes). It leads to a substantially smaller,

faster, cleaner and more energy-efficient technology. It is a multidisciplinary opportunity to im-

prove both process technology and underlying chemistry at the same time.

Certech also provides an expertise in the field of catalysis and synthesis. Certech services cover

various domains:

Customised organic and inorganic synthesis (for a scale going from grams to kilograms),

Improvement of synthetic pathways and process development, thanks to automated synthesis

workstations, which make possible the run of high throuput experiments.

www.certech.be

[email protected]


Certech skills in polymer synthesis as well as in com-

pounding are also proposed to customers.

The division of Bio- and Soft Matter (BSMA) of the Institute

of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences (IMCN) of the Uni-

versity of Louvain (UCLouvain) hosts about 100 research-

ers and technicians active in the field of soft matter taken

in its broader meaning.

Structure of research in IMCN/BSMA.

More information on www.uclouvain.be/bsma.html

From living micro-organisms studied as a particular state of matter, to hybrid or even purely

inorganic nanowires integrated in prototypic devices, the activities of BSMA cover scientific top-

ics as diverse as self-assembly, biosensing and biointerfaces, polymer science, surface science,

(nano)composites, organic electronics, or even spintronics, for applications in medicine, elec-

tronics and information technology, materials, or energy.


The three main lines of research of BSMA are:

1. tailoring and characterization of surfaces and interfaces;

2. fabrication and characterization of materials and devices at the nanometer scale;

3. synthesis, processing and characterization of macromolecular (polymer) materials.

These lines of research are supported by a strong expertise in synthesis, nanofabrication and

processing, as well as in the characterization of surfaces, materials and devices. Importantly,

these research lines are also based on a strong expertise in fabrication and characterization of

(nano)materials and (nano)devices.

Obviously, there is no strict division between these three lines of research, which interact as in

the triangle above. For instance,

• nanocomposite materials are polymer-based materials, rich in tailored interfaces, which

have to be characterized at the nanometer scale;

• controlling the growth of bacteria on surfaces involves tailoring the surface at the sub-mi-

crometer scale, using bio-macromolecules such as proteins or polysaccharides;

• a biosensor based on hybrid nanowires requires skills in nanofabrication, is based on bio-

logical interactions at the nanowire surface, involves synthesis during its fabrication, and

requires advanced physical characterization techniques to understand its function.

A wide range of techniques of fabrication and characterization is available in BSMA. These tools

serve to synthesize, process, or provide a picture as complete as possible of, the complex systems

and nanosystems engineered in BSMA. This uniquely wide expertise is also made available to

external scientists or industrial companies. Some of these techniques are grouped in technologi-

cal platforms managed at the level of the IMCN institute.

A complete list of equipment is available at http://www.uclouvain.be/en-329587.html.

www.uclouvain.be/bsma.html

@uclouvain.be


Tuesday 28th May

8h30 Welcome coffee and registration

9h00 Introduction to the conference

Thierry Randoux, Certech

9h15 Opening Lecture: Future prospects for Bioplastics

James Philp, OECD

9h45 Invited Lecture: Bioplastics: Basics and the technical/scientific trends

Prof. Luc Avérous, Strasbourg University

10h15 Minefield in the patent landscape

Paul-André Gollier, Pronovem

10h35 Q&A session

10h45 Coffee break - Poster session and exhibition

11h15 Experiences on 20 years of biopolymer testing and

certification: challenges and new developments

Sam Deconinck, Organic Waste Systems

11h35 VALORIA: Preindustrial scale implementation of

wasterwater treatment sludge valorization route through

polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production

Maria Albuquerque, VEOLIA Environnement Recherche et Innovation

11h55 Environmental performance of bio-based polymers –

Bringing LCA down to earth

Roland Essel, nova-Institut

12h15 Q&A session

12h25 Lunch


14h00 Invited Lecture: Are bio-sourced polymers an opportunity for SEB ?

Nathalie Pécoul, Groupe SEB

14h30 Roquette Biorefinery: Today and tomorrow

Vincent Berthé, Roquette Frères

14h50 Biobased PLA: the heat is on! A biobased replacement for PS,

PET and PP in high temperature applications

François de Bie, PURAC

15h10 Bisphenol A substitution in structural adhesive by a bio-based component:

Evaluation of the adhesive, water resistance and thermo-mechanical

properties

Pierre Verge, Centre de Recherche Public Henri Tudor

15h30 Q&A session


16h15 Materials sell by properties! What sells PHB? Is there anything PHB can do

better than other bioplasts / thermoplasts ?

Urs Hänggi, BIOMER

16h35 SOLANYL and FLOURPLAST thermoplastic starch based plastics and

OPTINYL masterbatches:

Creating new opportunities for the bioplastic industry

Jeroen van Soest, Rodenburg Biopolymers

16h55 Biopolymer textile applications: shifting stability properties using

functional additives

Luc Ruys, CENTEXBEL

17h15 Q&A session

17h30 Summary and conclusions from first day

17h45 End of day one followed by event and dinner


Wednesday 29th May

9h30 Invited Lecture: Bio-sourced materials:

risks or opportunities for automotive applications

Gérard Liraut, Renault

10h00 Biobased adhesives: when green chemistry meets the material science of

sticky things

Richard Vendamme, NITTO DENKO Europe

10h20 Emissions from PLA materials: food packaging and automotive applications

Annabelle Cingöz, CERTECH

10h40 Q&A session


11h20 Reducing the Environmental Footprint of Polyurethanes using

Biosuccinium™ based Polyester Polyols

Luc Leemans, DSM

11h40 New renewable molecules for bio-based polymers

Stéphane Bernard, Oléon

12h00 Bioprepolymer for the use of automotive seating foam

Christophe Ponce, Huntsman Polyurethanes

12h20 Q&A session

12h30 Lunch


14h00 Invited Lecture: Packaging for food or food for packaging ?

The role of bioplastics in the Nestlé packaging portfolio.

Lars Lundquist, Nestlé

14h30 New renewable polyurethane adhesive for flexible packaging

Olivier Laferté, BOSTIK

14h50 Life cycle thinking approach for sustainable feedstock design

Houshang Kheradmand, The Dow Chemical Company

15h10 Agroboost: a collaborative project on biobased textiles with controlled

biodegradation

Denis Couvret, IFTH

15h30 Towards fully green composites ?

Naïma Sallem, Université Catholique de Louvain

15h50 Q&A session

16h10 Concluding remarks

André Luciani, Certech

16h30 End of day two and farewell coffee


Abstract

FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR BIOPLASTICS

James Philp - OECD

[email protected]

Society is fundamentally ambivalent to the use of plastics. On the one hand, plastics are unique-

ly flexible materials that have seen them occupy a huge range of functions, from simple packing

materials to complex engineering components. On the other, their durability has raised concerns

about their end-of-life disposal. When that disposal route is landfill, their invulnerability to mi-

crobial decomposition, combined with relatively low density and high bulk, means that plastics

will occupy increasing amounts of landfill space in a world where available suitable landfill sites

is shrinking. An environmental dilemma with more far-reaching implications is climate change.

The need for rapid and deep greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cuts is one of the drivers for the

resurgence of industrial biotechnology generally.

The search for biodegradable plastics and their introduction to the marketplace would appear

to be a suitable amelioration strategy which fits with the growing call for a future bioeconomy.

And yet the uptake of biodegradable plastics has been slow. Now the pattern of production is

shifting from the true biodegradable plastics to the biobased plastics, and that trend is likely to

persist into the future.

It is often said that the bioplastics, and also biobased chemicals, suffer from a lack of a favour-

able policy regime when compared to the wide-ranging policy instruments that are available for

biofuels production. This situation is likely to result in the uneven development of a bioeconomy

if not addressed. The OECD is currently working on investigating policy measures that might

redress the balance.


Notes


Abstract

BIOPLASTICS: BASICS AND THE TECHNICAL/SCIENTIFIC TRENDS

Pr. Luc Avérous - Strasbourg University, France

[email protected]

Over the last decades, international research has led to the strong development of materials

from biomass, for non-food and polymer applications. These materials are biobased but also

they could be biodegradable. Biodegradable means capable of undergoing decomposition into

carbon dioxide, methane, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass. The predominant mecha-

nism is the enzymatic action of micro-organisms.

Currently, bioplastics (plastics from renewable source – from biomass) represent enormous po-

tential. This is mainly due to a growing societal demand for more friendly and environmental

materials. These materials can be (i) for short term applications (packaging, leisure, agriculture,

catering, hygiene, biomedical, ), since the biodegradable polymers can easily be degraded and

bio-assimilated and (ii) for durable and long terms applications (building, automotive …).

The worldwide demand for the biobased and biodegradable polymers (Bioplastics) has steadily

grown over the last ten years at an annual rate of between 10 and 20% per year. The market

share, however, is very modest in terms of actual fraction of the total plastics market. According

to the association European Bioplastics, the worldwide production capacity of the biodegrad-

able and biobased polymers for material applications was around 1161 kTonnes in 201. The cor-

responding worlwide plastic production was 280 Mio Tons.

Up to now, the limited growth of the bioplastics can be explained by diifrent parameters such

as: limited performance properties, high prices, limited legislative attention, the fact that bio-

degradability can be an added functional property not immediately perceived and the lack of

composting infrastructure…

However excitingly new environmental materials, have begun to address these major issues.

Replacing petroleum-based raw materials with renewable resources is now a major concern.

The great majority of these polymers are developed for environmental purposes in order for

instance, to improve the LCA (Life cycle analysis)[1].

Ref.: [1] Book: S. Kalia & L. Avérous. “Biopolymers: Biomedical and Environmental applications”. John Wiley & Scrivener Publishing. Pub. July 2011. 642 p


Notes


Abstract

MINEFIELD IN THE PATENT LANDSCAPE

Paul-André Gollier - Pronovem - Office Van Malderen, Belgium

[email protected]

Biobased polymers are currently having an increasing interest in R&D. Some products are al-

ready on the market and new applications are discovered every day. Patent applications are

usually published before commercialization of a product, sometimes a few years before such

commercialization, so that patent landscape analysis can be a powerful tool to understand long

term market evolution, and make early detection of emergence of new market players.

In this presentation, we will show statistical data about patent applications regarding biobased

polymers, both for their synthesis and their potential applications. Particular attention will be

given to relevant patent classification thereby developing several searching strategies in the

worldwide patent databases. We will further analyze the market trends in view of those statisti-

cal data.


Notes


Abstract

EXPERIENCES ON 20 YEARS OF BIOPOLYMER TESTING AND CERTIFICATION:

CHALLENGES AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Sam Deconinck*, Bruno De Wilde - Organic Waste System (OWS), Belgium

[email protected]

This presentation will start with an overview of the different norms on industrial compostabil-

ity and will make the distinction between biodegradability and compostability. Next, different

aspects playing a considerable role in determining the correct set of tests will be tackled. Aspects

like concentration of individual components, variations in composition, use of masterbatches

and inks, but also the value of certification schemes, by-laws and positive lists will be discussed.

Also some suggestions will be formulated how to further improve the system and make it more

efficient and cost-effective.

Currently, 6 major certification systems exist worldwide with regard to compostability: DIN

CERTCO, Vinçotte and European Bioplastics (Europe), BPI (USA), JBPA (Japan) and ABA (Aus-

tralia). These systems are all based on the same international standards (EN 13432, ASTM D6400

and ISO 17088) with similar requirements, but nevertheless show some minor and sometimes

relevant differences. Some make a difference between materials and products, others require

more testing and some others have also systems for the certification of individual additives for

compostable products.

Finally, also some other environments will be discussed, sketching the similarities and the dif-

ferences which are mostly related to temperature and microbial population. More in particular,

biodegradation in home composting, soil and fresh and marine water will be discussed, as well

as biodegradation in anaerobic digestion and landfill conditions, with again focus on test meth-

ods as well as criteria. Also a brief overview will be given on the standards existing in these

fields.


Notes


Abstract

VALORIA: PREINDUSTRIAL SCALE IMPLEMENTATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SLUDGE

VALORIZATION ROUTE THROUGH POLYHYDROXYALKANOATE (PHA) PRODUCTION

Maria Albuquerque*, D. Cirne, A-S. Lepeuple

Veolia Environnement Recherche et Innovation, France

[email protected]

The development of new valorization routes for wastewater treatment sludge is a critical chal-

lenge for the wastewater treatment industry and society. Every year more than 10 Million tons of

wastewater treatment sludge (dry solids) are produced in the EU (source EU, 2010), 1.5 M tons in

France alone (source: FNADE, 2006). Furthermore, this value is rising. It is estimated that sludge

production in France increased by 50% between 1991 and 2003 (source: Office Parlementaire

d’Evaluation des Choix Scientifiques et Techniques). This significant increase is due on one hand

to stricter regulatory standards for discharged treated water as well as to increasing human activ-

ity (urban development, industry). The wastewater treatment industry is technically able to meet

the new standards. However, to do so, an increasing amount of organic pollution is transferred

from the liquid phase to the dry solids generated in wastewater treatment. In simple terms, the

better the pollution removal efficiency, the higher the amount of dry solids produced. Currently,

several routes exist for treatment and valorization of wastewater treatment generated sludge:

incineration (15-20%); underground storage (20-25%), land spreading (60%) and methanisation.

The development of alternative valorization routes is thus an important challenge for the waste-

water treatment industry as well as for our society, which deals with an increasing production of

waste and contaminated effluents. If properly used, wastewater treatment generated wastes and

by-products can be considered as a source of renewable organic carbon and minerals, which can

be further valorized into chemicals and polymers constituting a possible replacement for their

petrochemically derived equivalents.

The VALORIA project’s main goal consisted in the development and preindustrial scale implementa-

tion of a full sludge to PHA valorization route. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are microbial synthe-

sized polyesters which are both biobased and biodegradable while presenting similar thermal and

mechanical properties to some conventional oil based polyesters. PHA have therefore a high technical

replacement potential relative to conventional polyolefins as polypropylene. However, so far the re-

placement of the later by PHA has been delayed by their high production costs (over 4 times that of

synthesis polymers). Their production from sludge using open microbial culture systems could signifi-

cantly decrease their production costs, thus providing a cost competitive approach to PHA production.


Notes


Abstract

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF BIO-BASED POLYMERS

BRINGING LCA DOWN TO EARTH

Roland Essel - Nova-Institut GmbH, Germany

[email protected]

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an internationally standardized and widely applied methodology

to assess the environmental impacts associated with products and production processes. How-

ever, the application of LCA for bio-based materials is challenging. Bio-based plastics offer the

opportunity to store atmospheric carbon in contrast to their petroleum based counterparts. Fur-

thermore, the possibility for cascade utilization makes it possible to reduce their environmental

impacts. These and other specific characteristics of LCAs for bio-based materials are explained

and critically reviewed. Finally, new solutions for the communication of LCA results are given

that bridge the way to policy related decision-making.


Notes


Abstract

ARE BIO-SOURCED POLYMERS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SEB ?

Nathalie Pécoul - Groupe SEB, France

[email protected]

A large variety of plastic materials (PP, ABS, PBT, PC, PA…) is used for SDA (Small Domestic Ap-

pliances) applications. These plastics are mainly “conventional” ones, i.e. based on crude oil. But

the biobased plastics offer is increasingly broad and diverse, with a global production capacity

for bioplastics that should be increased fivefold between 2011 and 2016.

SEB wants to be an active player in sustainable development and considers that the “green

materials” could be an opportunity to reduce pressure on natural resources. The use of these

materials, however, raises a number of questions. For example, are we sure to decrease the

environmental impact? Or, are these new materials free of any hazardous substance? This pres-

entation will give an overview of the questions asked and the issues encountered to develop the

biosourced polymers in SEB’s products.


Notes


Abstract

ROQUETTE BIOREFINERY: TODAY AND TOMORROW

Vincent Berthé - ROQUETTE FRERES, France

[email protected]

Raw materials from renewable vegetal origin are promising development areas for (new)

sustainable chemicals. Even though chemical industries remain mainly focus on common fos-

sil resource based products, there is room for new actors. Not only rarefaction of petro based

resources or crude oil price fluctuations account for integrated biorefineries progress. Indeed,

progressive changes to renewable moieties and building blocks are actually mainly driven by the

new properties and functionalities they bring.

In 2006, Roquette started new open innovation-driven R&D projects focused on plant-based

chemistry through notably the BIOHUB® innovation program. Both isosorbide and succinic

acid, two chemical building blocks, underwent fast developments thanks to fruitful international

cooperations.

The BioHub® program which seeks to develop new channels of production for chemical prod-

ucts based on renewable agricultural raw materials such as cereals leads to promising develop-

ments in the field of engineered biobased polymers. As example of result, Isosorbide can cost

effectively replace fossil based chemicals for polymers, and it’s unique chemical structure can

also bring outstanding properties of the new polymers. A heat-stable grade of isosorbide POLY-

SORB® P is now available in industrial quantities for the production of new copolyesters or

polycarbonates. All these materials offer improved heat and chemical resistance, very good opti-

cal and mechanical properties.


Notes


Abstract

BIOBASED PLA: THE HEAT IS ON!

A BIOBASED REPLACEMENT FOR PS, PET AND PP IN HIGH TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS

François de Bie - Purac, The Netherlands

[email protected]

PLA Biobased plastics in the packaging industry have, until now, been limited to cold food pack-

aging and disposable applications like soft-drink cups and fresh fruit containers. Purac, a Dutch

Lactide producer with 80 years of experience in Lactic Acid production, has successfully devel-

oped groundbreaking, heat resistant PLA technology that unlock a vast market potential as a

biobased replacement for PS, PET and PP.

PLA is made from natural, renewable resources such as sugarcane or corn, PLA bioplastics pro-

vides packaging producers with a reliable, biobased solution that can be recycled or composted

after use. The specific sustainability benefits of PLA will be highlighted and various end of life

options will be compared. Special focus will be to highlight the recyclability of PLA

PLA based on PURALACT Lactides can withstand peak temperatures of up to 250°F / 120°C mak-

ing it suitable for hot food and beverage containers. Thermoformed cups made from PURALACT

are able to contain boiling water without any sign of distortion. Injection molded parts can take

even higher temperatures.

The heat resistance PLA also opens up opportunities for durable applications like for example in

the automotive and consumer electronics / consumer appliances markets.

4 different applications examples, made from high heat PLA will be shown:

- Thermoformed – single use – PLA hot beverage cup

- Injection molded – single use – high heat PLA cutlery

- Injection molded PLA for automotive parts

- Injection molded PLA for durable consumer goods/appliances

R&D is a cornerstone of Purac’s business strategy and towards the end of the presentation an

overview of Purac’s future innovation will be shared.


Notes


Abstract

BISPHENOL A SUBSTITUTION IN STRUCTURAL ADHESIVE BY A BIO-BASED COMPONENT:

EVALUATION OF THE ADHESIVE WATER RESISTANCE AND THERMO-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Pierre Verge*, Joao A.S. Bomfim, Valérie Toniazzo, David Ruch

Advanced Materials & Structures, Centre de Recherche Public Henri Tudor, Luxembourg

[email protected]

Bisphenol A [or BPA] is an important industrial chemical that is primarily used as an intermedi-

ate in the production of polycarbonate (PC) and epoxy resins. Due to its toxicity and release, a

strong urgency appears to its substitution by more eco and human friendly compounds.

In this presentation, we will expose the potential of a derivative of cashew nutshell liquid

(CNSL) as an alternative to BPA-derived epoxy. CNSL, which main constituent is Cardanol - an

unsaturated alkylphenol, is a by-product from the processing of cashew nutshells. We tested a

di-functional glycidyl ether Cardanol-based epoxy resin (CNSL-dGE), whom chemical structure

affords a higher flexibility (due to C8 alkyl chain separating the aromatic groups) and water re-

sistance (due to the C7pending alkyl chain) than traditional BPA thermosets epoxy.

The adhesive, water resistance and thermochemical properties of neat CNSL-dGE and DGEBA/

CNSLdGEco-network with different rates of DGEBA substitution by CNSL-dGE have been evalu-

ated, evidencing a strong increase of the adhesive strength (from 3.5MPa to 6MPa respectively

for DGEBA and CNSL-dGE networks). Moreover, the bio-sourced adhesive performs better than

neat DGEBA. As the latter loses 35% of its adhesive strength (dropping its “stress to break”to 2,2

MPa), CNSL-dGE adhesive only loses 21% of its initial strength, with a stress to break around 4,5

MPa, still higher than the initial value of DGEBA.

While CNSL-dGE adhesive clearly present the drawback of limited temperature applications, the

DGEBA/ CNSL-dGE co-networks are an excellent compromise even with 70%wt DGEBA substi-

tuted, with adhesive and water resistance properties higher than those of DGEBA adhesive, and

a Tg higher than 100°C. Finally, the impact of some traditional epoxy fillers like mineral clays

onto DGEBA/ CNSLdGE co-networks was evaluated, evidencing some additional advantages of

using the bio-based DGEBA substitute.


Notes


Abstract

MATERIALS SELL BY PROPERTIES! WHAT SELLS PHB!

IS THERE ANYTHING PHB CAN DO BETTER THAN OTHER BIOPLASTS/THERMOPLASTS ?

Urs J. Hänggi - Biomer, Germany

[email protected]

Both, native PVC and native PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) have thermoplastic properties, but are

not useful for thermoprocessing. Only after transforming the native PVC by compounding with

the proper additives, PVC emerges as a high performance thermoplast which excels in medical

tubing, in window frames, or in pipes. The same is true for PHB.

Native PHB evolved in nature to function inside the cells. There it needs to be absolutely linear,

absolutely isotactic, absolutely regular (C4-subunits), and totally biodegradable. Being abso-

lutely linear means that the molten polymer chains do not entangle like the chains of manmade

thermoplasts. Thus the melt viscosity depends entirely on the temperature settings. Absolutely

isotactic and absolutely regular means that the molten polymer chains have no chance except

to crystallize till there is no free amorphous mass left. In this respect PHB compares to metals.

In other words: once native PHB is compounded with the proper additives, it emerges as a high

performance thermoplast.

The variable melt viscosity, controlled by the temperature settings, can be used to produce parts

with very fine structures (example screw) or to produce parts with surface structures down to

below 0,2 µ (example imprints). This also is possible with liquid crystalline polymers. However

with PHB molding can be done at temperatures as low as 180°C.

The crystallinity allows producing long natural fiber composites with unique impact strength.

Upon crystallization, the matrix recedes from the fibers. However, the hard crystals clamp the

fibers where they are thicker and hold them there like in a vice. Thus the fibers are free to vibrate

between the clamped points and thus to absorb the impact (example composite plate). The high

crystallinity made of hard crystals means creep resistance like in metals. Production by molding

is dramatically less expensive than metalworking. Thus PHB can lower production costs of parts

that could be produced so far by metalworking only (example smoke grenade).

Native PHB was designed by nature to be absolutely linear, absolutely isotactic, and absolutely

regular. No manmade thermoplast matches these properties. Plastic processors can use these

specific properties in compounded PHB to mold parts that can not be formed easily with man-

made thermoplasts. The parts are stable for decades. Being of renewable resources


Notes


Abstract

SOLANYL AND FLOURPLAST THERMOPLASTIC STARCH BASED PLASTICS AND OPTINYL

MASTERBATCHES: CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BIOPLASTIC INDUSTRY.

Jeroen van Soest - Rodenburg Biopolymers B.V, The Netherlands

[email protected]

Rodenburg Biopolymers developed over the last year new bioplastics to add to their portfolio

i.e. FlourPlast precompounds, Solanyl end-compounds and Optinyl masterbatches. This paper

describes the structural features and properties of products made of these new materials. Flour

or purified starches are not thermoplastics. The FlourPlast and Solanyl portfolio of products are

based on thermoplastic flour (TPF) or starch (TPS) and are made by an unique combination of

natural based by-products or reclaimed starch sources from the food processing industry and

a novel compatibilising polymer system making it thermoplastic materials, which can be pro-

cessed on standard processing machines.

The FlourPlast portfolio of products is shown to be highly compatible biodegradable polyesters

but also polyolefins such as polypropylene giving the opportunity to make dedicated bioplastics.

It is shown that improved processing conditions are obtained and enhanced or novel properties

of the end formulations (compounds). By making different combinations of various grades of

FlourPlast (i.e. building block system of precompounds) with other polymers, it is possible to ob-

tain a range of products with different properties and novel functionalities. This made it possible

to process the components into products by the compounding industries suitable for various ap-

plications such as injection molding, extrusion and thermoforming, and film blowing and casting.

The Solanyl’s consist of ready-to-use biodegradable and biobased compounds suitable for

converters to obtain biodegradable or biobased products. The portfolio consist of various com-

pounds suitable for injection moulding (C1*** series), (sheet) extrusion and thermoforming

(C2*** series), and film extrusion (C8*** series). The various compounds offer a complete set

of properties.

Specially designed for FlourPlast, Solanyl or other biopolyester plastics Rodenburg Biopolymers

offer Optinyl masterbatches offer the opportunity for converters to fine tune other properties

such as colour, flow, impact and many more. Some remarkable examples are described.


Notes


Abstract

BIOPOLYMER TEXTILE APPLICATIONS:

SHIFTING STABILITY PROPERTIES USING FUNCTIONAL ADDITIVES.

Luc Ruys*, Raf Van Olmen - Centexbel, Belgium

[email protected]

Gradually biopolymers find more and more industrial applications in packaging, textiles and

composites. Especially Poly Lactide (PLA) is one of the biopolymers of choice for a series of ap-

plications when higher requirements need to be fulfilled.

For instance in textiles or in composite applications the interest in generating fully biobased

products is high. It is already proven that PLA can be processed into a complete range of different

textile intermediates including, fibre, monofilament, tape, and multifilament and can be further

processed into a range of end products.

An important element regarding the properties of these materials is related to their durability.

It’s well known that PLA grades will be easily degraded under industrial composting conditions.

This property can be considered as an advantages for these applications where composting

offers a good end-of-life possibility. Questions are however raised how the materials will be-

have under less severe biodegradation conditions. Will materials not degrade too fast if used

as ground-cover? Is the material stable enough against UV light? Can the material be used for

products with an expected lifetime for 5 years and more ?

Research was performed regarding the durability of textile products under different conditions

using a range of different additives. Additives were defined that are enhancing the degradation

process for those applications where a faster degradation under environmental conditions is re-

quired. On the other hand additives could be defined as well that are clearly improving polymer

properties as well as stability both during processing as well as under extreme conditions of use.

More details on the approach and properties reached will be given in the presentation.


Notes


Abstract

BIO-SOURCED MATERIALS:

RISKS OR OPPORTUNITIES FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS ?

Gérard Liraut - Renault, France

[email protected]

Since at least the 1980s, the history of plastic in the automotive applications has been a success

story: about 14% of the automotive is made of plastic. More than 500 different plastic parts are

usually used in an average European car (bumper, fender, instrument panels, trims, headlamp,

air intake manifold, fuel tanks,…) , leading to a large variety of different plastic material (PP,

PA, HDPE, ABS, PC, POM, PBT,…). Even if there is a large diversity of polymers, they are almost

always produced from crude oil. In order to reduce the cost, to improve the environmental foot-

print and to respect some European regulations, some OEMs have been using more and more

recycled plastic materials. However, BIO-sourced materials seem to propose another interesting

option. The present lecture will give an overview of the current applications of bioplastics used

in a car, will also present some studies and results dealing with BIO-plastics. Then as a conclu-

sion, we will explain the RENAULT philosophy in choosing material for plastic applications.


Notes


Abstract

BIOBASED ADHESIVES:

WHEN GREEN CHEMISTRY MEETS THE MATERIAL SCIENCE OF STICKY THINGS

Richard Vendamme - Nitto Europe N.V, Belgium

[email protected]

The growing awareness of society towards environmental issues combined with the recent gov-

ernments regulations and incentives towards the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions is push-

ing the chemical and adhesive industries to develop greener products and to find alternative

growth strategies based on more sustainable economical models. Although the use of raw mate-

rials derived from renewable feedstock seems a particularly relevant option, finding sustainable

and efficient ways to transform biofeedstocks into highly functional materials and coatings is

still very challenging.

Pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) materials are a peculiar class of glues intended to form a

reversible bond simply by the application of a light pressure to marry the adhesive with the

adherent. Conceptually, PSAs must be designed with a subtle balance between flow and resist-

ance to flow: the bond forms because the adhesive is soft enough to wet the adherent, but the

bond also has suitable strength because the adhesive is hard enough to resist the stress of the

debonding stage. To date, most commercial PSA are still based on petroleum resources and there

is an imperious need to develop more sustainable PSA chemistries.

The development of biobased materials is one solution (among others) used by the Nitto Denko

group to tackle environmental problems. In this talk, we would like to demonstrate that Nitto

Denko’s ambition to make a step-forward in the advancement of biobased adhesives take the

form of pragmatic and multi-angle investigations covering both value chain considerations

(monitoring and screening of biobased raw material, performing Life-Cycle-Assessment), tech-

nical aspects (leveraging the performance and reliability of biobased adhesives) and new busi-

ness development (unravelling the full business potential of biobased adhesives). The technical

part of the presentation will be focused on the development of polyester-based pressure sensi-

tive adhesives derived from various renewable biofeedstocks such as plant oils or sugars.

Reference: Interplay Between Viscoelastic and Chemical Tunings in Fatty-Acid-Based Polyester

Adhesives: Engineering Biomass toward Functionalized Step-Growth Polymers and Soft Net-

works. R. Vendamme*, K. Olaerts, M. Gomes, M. Degens, T. Shigematsu, W. Eevers, Biomacromol-

ecules, 13, 1933-1944 (2012)


Notes


Abstract

EMISSIONS FROM PLA MATERIALS: FOOD PACKAGING AND AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS

Annabelle Cingöz*, A.Borcy, C. Henneuse, Piroëlleaa, C. Courgneaua,b, D. Rusua,b, M.-F. Lacrampea,b,

R. Salazarc, P. Krawczaka,b, V. Ducruetc

[email protected]

Certech asbl, Belgium

aEcole des Mines de Douai, Dept of Polymers and Composites Technology & Mechanical Engi-

neering, France; bUniversité de Lille, France; cINRA UMR 1145 Ingénierie Procédés Aliments, France

Over recent years, much attention has been given to potential applications of poly(lactic acid)

(PLA) as a replacement for petroleum based polymers. PLA has already been approved for food

contact and is now used in short shelf-life food packaging like drinking cups, salad cups, packag-

ing films, and trays. One of the principal functions of food packaging is to protect food product

from external pollution. However, plastic processing can affect properties of the plastic material,

and also generate sensorial and/or healthy issues that could potentially have an impact on the

food quality. The packaging itself is not completely inert in contact with food and additives and

other volatile compounds present in the polymeric packaging material can also migrate into the

food. Therefore, he objective of the present study was to determine the effect of plastic packag-

ing processing (extrusion and thermoforming) on the degradation of PLA by analyzing the evolu-

tion in sensory properties (volatile organic compounds, VOC and odour emissions).

For automotive use, a single niche application of compression molded PLA has been developed.

To meet the performance requirements of car interior materials (tensile, flexural and impact

properties, aging resistance..), the adding of natural fibers (short fiber of cellulose) to PLA allows

on one hand, a reinforcement of the material and on the other hand a weight gain, so a positive

impact on on energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, these natu-

ral fibers present several drawbacks and especially emission of VOC responsible for off-odor.

The objective of this study was first to estimate the impact of processing and of adding fibers

on global odour and then to remediate to these off-flavour problems by testing different types

of agent added to the process. Once their efficiency proved on the global odour, the physico-

chemical and mechanical characteristics of the remedied biocomposite were studied.


Notes


Abstract

REDUCING THE ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT OF POLYURETHANES USING

BIOSUCCINIUM™ BASED POLYESTER POLYOLS

Luc Leemans*, R. Janssen, L. Theunissen - DSM Ahead Materials Sciences R&D, The Netherlands

[email protected]

Biosuccinium™, Reverdia’s™ biobased succinic acid has been successfully evaluated as an al-

ternative for (fossil-based) adipic acid in a number of polyester polyols, which subsequently

have been polymerized into thermoplastic polyurethane formulations. This enables a potential

improvement of the sustainability characteristics of the polyurethane materials because Biosuc-

cinium™ is a 100 % biobased and renewable raw material Both succinate and adipate polyester

polyols have been prepared, with Mn = 2000g/mol, based on either 1,4-butanediol or a combina-

tion of 1,4-butanediol and ethylene glycol. These polyols were subsequently converted to TPU

material by their reaction with stoichiometric amounts of pure MDI and chain extended with

1,4-butanediol.

Industry standard thermoplastic polyurethanes based on adipate polyol were prepared as refer-

ence materials.

It was concluded that Biosuccinium™ based polyester polyols can be formulated into thermo-

plastic polyurethane polymers with a typical degree of hardness (85 and 95 Shore A), without

major changes to existing equipment or processing procedures. A more detailed evaluation of

mechanical and thermal properties is still in progress and will be reported on in a later stage.


Notes


Abstract

NEW RENEWABLE MOLECULES FOR BIOBASED POLYMERS.

Stéphane BERNARD*, Ward HUYBRECHTS - OLEON NV, Belgium

[email protected]

Biobased polyols for polyurethane market: new oleochemical processes allow the design of re-

newable polyols in line with the technical requirements of different polyurethane markets. By

tuning molecular weight, functionality and crystallinity, Oleon has developed a new range of

polyester and polyether polyols for CASE, flexible or rigid foams. Some of these new renew-

able polyols allow a simple 1:1 replacement of the conventionally used petrochemical polyols.

In CASE applications, where hydrophobicity and flexibility are important, the final PU shows

improved properties in comparison to conventional systems. In foam applications, these renew-

able polyols can be used directly or in a prepolymer system, and reactivity is improved thanks to

the very high content of primary OH.

Biobased propylene glycol for unsaturated polyester resins (UPR): the high quality level of bio-

propylene glycol, made from renewable glycerol, enable the replacement of the conventional

petrochemical based molecule by a sustainable MPG with a reduced environmental footprint.

Calculations show that the developed process to convert glycerol into bio-propylene glycol emits

70% less greenhouse gas compared to fossil propylene glycol.


Notes


Abstract

BIOPREPOLYMER DEVELOPMENT FOR THE USE OF AUTOMOTIVE SEATING FOAM

Christophe Ponce*, Annelies Vandevelde, Herman Moureau, Joris Pittevils, Veerle Moons

Huntsman Polyurethanes, Belgium

[email protected]

Recently automotive OEMs have published new specifications for automotive components

which require a measurable amount of biobased content based on C14. In order to support this

new requirement Huntsman has developed a flexible foam technology solution which incorpo-

rates an amount of vegetable based raw material in the production of an MDI bio-prepolymer.

The latter will enable Customers to increase the level of biobased content within a MDI based

flexible automotive seating technology. The introduction of biobased content specifically via the

Huntsman bio-prepolymer maintains typical physical foam characteristics. The additional ben-

efit is that the new foam technology can be run on Customers existing seat moulding equipment.


Notes


Abstract

PACKAGING FOR FOOD OR FOOD FOR PACKAGING ?

THE ROLE OF BIOPLASTICS IN THE NESTLÉ PACKAGING PORTFOLIO

Lars Lundquist - Nestlé Research Center, Switzerland

[email protected]

This presentation will elaborate around the importance of a holistic life cycle-based approach

integrating the role and function of packaging in terms of delivering product protection and pre-

venting waste in determining the environmental credentials of bio-based materials and bioplas-

tics. Important issues related to land use, water scarcity and food security connected to the field

of bio-based materials and bioplastics will be discussed.


Notes


Abstract

NEW RENEWABLE POLYURETHANE ADHESIVE FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING

Olivier Laferté*, Guillaume Michaud - Bostik, France

[email protected]

Continuous innovation is a priority at Bostik to anticipate customer needs and provide them with

fully functional and highly optimised solutions with tangible benefits.

Bostik’s R&D teams worldwide continually focus on designing cost-effective adhesive solutions

to help our customers improve the performance of their products and the productivity of their

processes, while maintaining priority on easy and safe handling as well as minimising environ-

mental impact.

Adhesives for laminating, solvent free two components polyurethane are widely used as glue

for the manufacture of multilayer systems in the field of flexible packaging. Flexible packaging is

used to package a wide variety of products in the food, cosmetics and detergents industries, and

can provide characteristics suitable for flexible packaging:

• A barrier effect to atmospheric moisture or oxygen,

• Food contact,

• Chemical resistance,

• Good resistance to high temperatures, for example in case of pasteurization.

Adhesives for laminating, solvent free two components polyurethanes are widely used for the

manufacture of multilayer systems. In fact, these adhesives contain no organic solvents or water

which gives the advantage of being implemented in lamination industrial operations with very

high line speeds without energy-intensive drying step.

As sustainability is a pillar of our development, Bostik is involved in the development of “green”

chemistry. We are willing to substitute, partly or totally, the use of non-renewable raw materials

based on petroleum-derived fuels by renewable raw materials based on vegetable resources.

This presentation aims at describing a new two-component polyurethane based adhesive for lam-

inating with high properties and in which the isocyanate-based prepolymer is obtained by a pro-

cess using more renewable raw materials. We will focus also on application trials and LCA study.


Notes


Abstract

LIFE CYCLE THINKING APPROACH FOR SUSTAINABLE FEEDSTOCK DESIGN

Houshang Kheradmand - Dow Chemical Company, France

[email protected]

The key business drivers of any successful company have to encompass sustainable develop-

ment criteria during technology and product design. Such criteria put a focus on sustainable

growth – sustainable competitive advantage leading to sustainable earning power. Sustainabil-

ity as a concept becomes a founding principle for continuous improvement, leading to either

evolutionary or revolutionary innovations.

This presentation will focus on trends and opportunities identification for polymer industries

and methodologies for integrate sustainable development criteria across the product life cycle,

from conception through to recycling and the waste management phase.

Today’s mega-trends (Economic, Ecological and Social), have generated the need for an academic

and industrial revolution in mind-set, processes and product design, resource allocation and the

management of the wastes over the product lifecycle. The growth of population, consumption

and the limit of resources have created constraints for all industries including the dispersion

polymer industry, which presents challenging opportunities requiring invention and innovation.

Monomers are obviously the key raw material for the Coatings industries and the new sources

management is critical for the industry’s future. We will demonstrate via examples the Life Cy-

cle Approach benefits for sustainable coatings design including ecological and socio-economic

impact.

Key words: Acrylic, Monomer, Biomass, Biodiesel, Bioplastics, CFP, Design, Glycerol, Green

Chemistry, Energy, Life Cycle, Polymerization, Propylene, Population, Resources, Socio-Econom-

ic, Solvent, Sugar, Sustainability, Waste.


Notes


Abstract

AGROBOOST:

A COLLABORATIVE PROJECT ON BIOBASED TEXTILES WITH CONTROLLED BIODEGRADATION

Isabelle FERREIRA - IFTH, France

[email protected]

Agroboost is a funded* French collaborative project which aims to develop new biobased textiles

for specific applications in the field of agrotextiles and geotextiles.

The products covered by the project are the following: textiles and paper mulches, twine and

agricultural guardians, nets packaging for fruit and vegetables, nets for crops and temporary

reinforcement geotextile which are the main fields of application of the Industrial partners of

the project (Bihr, Texinov, Trocme Valllart Emballage and Buitex).

The project was supported and labelized by 4 french competitiveness clusters: Techtera cluster

(textile cluster), Plastipolis cluster (plastics cluster), Fibres cluster and Agro-resources & Indus-

tries clusters.

The innovation of the project is based on the two following aspects:

- controlled biodegradability : the biodegradability of products developed will be monitored and

adapted regarding their different uses.

- solutions will be made to develop products the more biobased.

During the conference will be presented the project (workprogramm, objectives, processes de-

veloped,…) and some results of course non confidential.

* Agroboost is funded by the DGCIS, OSEO, the Rhone Alpes FEDER, the Rhone Alpes Conseil

Regional, the Lorraine FEDER, the Lorraine Conseil Regional, the Vosges Conseil General.


Notes


Abstract

TOWARDS FULLY GREEN COMPOSITES ?

Naïma Sallem*, Michel Sclavons, Jacques Devaux - Université Catholique de Louvain

IMCN/BSMA, Belgium

[email protected]

“Green composites” in material science do not have nowadays to look as strange as “Little green

men” on earth. Indeed, “Green chemistry” cannot be limited to chemistry from vegetal sources,

but, more generally, includes processes allowing to produce chemicals by more “environment –

friendly” methods. In this presentation, a process will be presented, the main characteristics of

which being that it uses water as processing aid in thermoplastic extrusion.

Such a process, by decreasing the temperature during composite processing, allows to incorpo-

rate more easily biosourced fillers while limiting their degradation.

Perspectives will also be presented towards (nano)composites where both the filler and the ma-

trix are biosourced.


Notes


Poster

Initial trials at Constar showed that bottle blowing with

/ Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

/Laboratory of Polymer Materials (SPM)

Producing a PLAstic bottlevia strain-induced crystallization of poly(lactic acid)Pim Lohmeijer, Han GoossensEindhoven University of Technology, Laboratory of Polymer Materials, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The NetherlandsEmail: [email protected] Office: STO 0.44 Phone: (040-247) 4930

Acknowledgments This work is part of the Biobased Performance Materials research programme, project no. BPM-130 “PLAstic Bottle”, and financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation.

Strain-induced crystallization (SIC) Development of crystal structures during deformation in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is an important aspect during processing. Therefore, understanding deformation mechanisms to tune product properties is essential in order to enhance the application range and competitiveness of PLA. Conventional amorphous injection-molded PLA has low barrier properties for vapor and water, however molecular orientation and strain-induced crystallites introduced during the injection-stretch blow molding (ISBM) process, applied in bottle production, will impede the passage of small molecules through the PLA matrix. The final goal of this project is to produce a PLA bottle with comparable performance to its oil-based counterpart.

Injection stretch blow molding (ISBM) of a PLA bottle (Lim et al., Prog. Polym. Sci., 2008, 33, p820-852)

70 80 90 100 11005

1015202530354045

150 kDa, DR 3150 kDa, DR 4.580 kDa, DR 380 kDa, DR 4.5

Crys

tallin

ity (%

)

Stretching temperature (oC)

1) Material parameters Deformation parameters

2) Strain-induced crystallization (SIC) and morphology

3) Properties -Barrier -Mechanical -Optical

Again a morphology gradient was observed, but the inhomogeneity might have originated from the rather ill-controlled heating method. Therefore a setup with PID-controlled IR heaters was designed and installed to ensure good temperature control.

In subsequent trials increasing the blow mold temperature

Outlook • Preform morphology investigation • Barrier properties measurements • 1D deformation with improved IR-setup • Orientation determination of amorphous phase via FTIR spectroscopy • Controlled 2D-stretching (in combination with FBR) • In-situ crystallinity development during 1D-stretching (at ESRF, Grenoble)

1D deformation • Injection molded tensile bar, thickness ~ 3.3 mm

Injection stretch blow molding • Injection molded bottle preform, thickness ~ 4.2 mm

The ISBM process is highly complex, therefore in order to do

• Stretching temperature dependence: interplay between

• Rapid specimen heating to 70-130 °C (with heat guns) • Stretching up to DR ~ 6, stretch rate up to 50 %/s

Synterra PLLA grades from Synbra is possible. With the blow mold at room temperature a low crystallinity of 8% in the sidewall was determined via WAXD. SEM images revealed many voids in the material.

resulted in bottle crystallinities of 20-25%. However, this also appeared to promote a morphology gradient through the sidewall thickness. This can be explained by both the inhomogeneous cooling of the thick preform during injection molding, as well as the one-sided heating during the blowing step.

a fundamental study of SIC of PLA a simplification to 1D deformation under well-controlled conditions is required.

For this study two Synterra PLLA grades from Synbra of different molecular weight were injection molded and stretched uniaxially after a rapid heating step using two heat guns, similar to the ISBM process. This allowed for studying various influential parameters on crystallinity and orientation in the materials:

crystallinity, chain orientation and relaxation • Molecular weight effects: limited range for stretching low MW: T < 90 °C: fracture; T > 100 °C: flow

• Draw ratio influence: crystalline order disturbed at DR 4.5

• Rapid preform heating (with IR) to 90-100 °C • Very rapid stretch rod insertion ( > 1500 %/s), air pressure ~ 38 bar, to DR 2.7×4.5 • Blow mold temperatures: 20 °C and 100 °C


Poster

APPLICATION OF BIOBASED MATERIALS AS FOOD PACKAGING

Nanou Peelman1,2, Peter Ragaert1,2, Angelique Vandemoortele1,2, Elien Verguldt1,

Bruno De Meulenaer2, Frank Devlieghere1

1Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation and 2Research Group Food Chemistry

and Human Nutrition, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure

Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

The possible application of several multilayered biobased materials for packing different food

products, ranging from short to long shelf life products, was investigated. Some transparent and

metalized cellulose based film, a cellulose/PLA based film, a xylan based film and PLA trays

with a PLA based film, a cellulose/PLA based film and a paper/PLA based film as topfilm were

examined. The investigated food products were tomatoes, steak, French fries, ham sausage, filet

de saxe (a raw cured pork meat product) grated cheese, tortillachips, rice cakes, speculoos and

potato flakes all packaged under air or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The food prod-

ucts were stored at refrigerated (under alternately 12h light/12h dark) or room temperature and

analyzed at certain points during their shelf life. For the short shelf life products, microbiological

analysis (total plate count, lactic acid bacteria and yeast and moulds), gas composition of the

headspace, color, aw and pH were followed and those quality parameters were each time com-

pared with their evolution in the conventionally packaged food products. For the medium shelf

life products also hydrolytic and oxidative lipid rancidity were monitored. For the long shelf life

products no microbiological analysis was performed. Furthermore, sensory characteristics of the

different food products were evaluated as well as printability and migration. Finally, also case

studies at the companies were performed.

From the storage experiments it could be concluded that most investigated biobased materi-

als are good functional substitutes for the conventional packaging materials currently used. For

example, the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations followed the same trend as in the refer-

ence film and the concentrations remained below the maximum limit or above the minimal limit

during the entire shelf life of the food products.


Poster

CHARACTERISATION OF VOLATILE COMPONENTS IN BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS USING

STEAM DISTILLATION-EXTRACTION-GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY

I. DIRINCK

SENSTECH, Flemish Advice Centre for Sensory Quality of Food Products and Food Contact Mate-

rials, Technologiepark 3, IIC, BE-9052 Gent (Zwijnaarde)

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is the analytical technique of choice for analy-

sis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in all kind of food contact materials. Depending on the

purpose of the analysis and the matrix different isolation techniques for volatile compounds

can be used.

Simultaneous steam distillation-extraction (SDE or Likens-Nickerson extraction) is a ‘total vola-

tile’ extraction technique, which can be used for characterisation of volatile organic compounds

(VOCs) in various materials (paper, cardboard, can, polymers, …).

The chemical structures and the amounts of VOCs present in food contact materials, together

with the odour threshold values, can give an estimation about the odour characteristics of food

contact materials. The GC-MS analysis of VOCs in packaging materials also gives an idea about

the possible migration of volatile packaging components from a packaging material towards a

packed food product, eventually influencing the sensory properties of the food product. Often

packaging-related off-flavours in foods result in claims and expensive recalls, which can affect

consumer confidence and damage the company image.

Although many commercially-available bioplastics have good organoleptic properties, bioplas-

tics from different origins and manufacturers can have different VOCs contents and therefore

influence the sensory properties of packed food products to a greater or lesser extent.

In this study four biodegradable materials were analysed using steam distillation-extraction-

gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SDE-GC-MS) in order to characterise the volatile com-

pounds in the bioplastics:


- polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) type 1 (manufacturer A)

- polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) type 2 (manufacturer A)

- polylactic acid (PLA) + co-polyester type (manufacturer B)

- starch-based type (manufacturer C)

Biodegradable drink cups were produced by standardised injection moulding procedures using

four master batches of pellets or granulates and analysed with SDE-GC-MS. The ‘total volatile’

profiles of the different biodegradable materials were explored and volatile organic compounds

were identified using mass spectral libraries. The volatile profiles of the different biodegradable

materials were compared and odour-active compounds were assigned.

SDE-GC-MS can be applied to evaluate the volatile content of biodegradable materials from dif-

ferent bio-based origins, as well as to highlight the organoleptic differences between master

batches from different manufactures. This valuable ‘total volatile’ analysis technique can also be

used for monitoring the variability between different production batches from the same manu-

facturer, the influence between different production sites and the performance of a recycling

process for biodegradable packaging materials with regard to volatile contaminants.


Poster

PHBOTTLE PROJECT:

NEW SUSTAINABLE, FUNCTIONALIZED AND COMPETITIVE PHB MATERIAL BASED IN FRUIT BY-

PRODUCTS GETTING ADVANCED SOLUTIONS FOR PACKAGING AND NON-PACKAGING APPLICATIONS

Lurdes Soares ([email protected] )

AIJN - European Fruit Juice Association, Rue de la Loi 221 box 5, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium

On the one hand, packaging waste is a pressing environmental, social and economic issue. In-

crease in packaged food consumption and a developing economy continue to generate large

amounts of waste1. The generation of packaging waste per capita in the EU was set at 157 kg/

capita in 20102. On the other hand, fruit juice and nectars consumption in the EU stood at 10.7

billion litres in 2011. Nearly 65% of the total volume consumed was packaged with carton and

24,6% with plastic3 .

The fruit juice industry generates enormous amounts of wastewater (24–30 m3/batch4). Such

wastewater effluents contain high concentrations of valuable organic matter.

The objective of the PHBOTTLE project is to develop a new sustainable bottle (body, cap and

sleeve) which is made from organic matter (sugars, residues rich in carbon, oxygen and nitrogen)

present in the wastewater from the fruit juice industry. The new packaging will be biodegrad-

able, have antioxidant properties and will be used for applications in the food packaging sector,

mainly juice industry.

PHBOTTLE research is focused on PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) bioproduction using juice indus-

try by-products as culture medium. Functional materials (cellulose microfibers and encapsulat-

ed ingredients) will be used to improve the packaging material properties’. The industrial appli-

cability of the new material will be tested and the impact on the environment will be addressed

via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

PHBOTTLE is an International Project funded by the European Union’s Seventh Framework

Programme [FP7/2007-2013] under grant agreement n. 280831.

1 http://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/waste1 http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/generation-and-recycling-of-packaging-waste/generation-and-recycling-of-packaging-4

3 AIJN 2012, Liquid Fruit Market Report4 Treatment of high strength wastewater from fruit juice industry using integrated anaerobic/aerobic system. H. El-Kamah, A. Tawfik, M. Mahmoud, H. Abdel-Halim. Desalination. Volume 253, issues 1-3. April 2010, Pages 158–163.


Poster

SYNTHESIS OF BIOBASED THERMOSETS RESINS FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Julien Estager, Certech asbl, Zone industrielle C, Rue Jules Bordet B-7180 Seneffe Belgium

Petroleum based chemistry will unambiguously keep on leading the market for the next decades.

However, due to a strong lobbying from associations and customers, it becomes more and more

difficult for companies to ignore biobased chemistry if they want to promote their brands. As

these new products are directly in competition with traditional plastics, they must remain com-

petitive in term of properties and prices.

In this perspective, Certech has taken part into a joint-venture regrouping SMEs and universities

to develop biobased thermoset resins. As the objective is to obtain a commercial formulation,

this consortium gathers all the aspects of development from the synthesis of monomers to the

full scale test on an industrial site.

Different pathways have been investigated to fulfil the requirements of our industrial partners.

The use of vegetable oil appeared to be a valuable option, even reinforced by the large produc-

tion of linseed oil in Wallonia. The different formulations led to interesting properties after high

temperature curing.

As our partners are aiming room temperature applications, we have developed new polysac-

charide-based monomers. The resins obtained after formulation exhibit good properties and

polymerise at room temperature.


Poster

THE ANALYSIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIODEGRADEABLE POLYMERS

BY GEL PERMEATION CHROMATOGRAPHY (GPC)

A Brookes*, B MacCreath - Agilent Technologies, United Kingdom

[email protected], [email protected]

Biodegradation is the degradation of a material by environmental factors such as sunlight, tem-

perature changes or the action of microbes. In polymer science and engineering, the design of

polymers susceptible to biodegradation is of increasing importance for two reasons – polymers

that degrade naturally in the body to harmless products may be used in biological devices and in

drug delivery, and polymers that break down in the environment are significantly ‘greener’ than

traditional plastics.

Biodegradation is key to the suitability of materials for use in drug delivery devices or in tempo-

rary structures within the body, such as sutures. For these applications, the ability of the body

to naturally break down the material used either as part of the application or post-event is very

important, making the removal of the polymer simply a case of allowing the natural process of

degradation to occur.

The landfill crisis has made the production of non-polluting polymers for packaging and engi-

neering uses a high priority. These materials need to be able to perform their function, but also

break down in the environment with time, a difficult proposition. For these materials, the rate of

degradation and therefore the lifetime and performance of the polymer in the natural environ-

ment is related to the length of the polymer chains in the material, with degradation leading to

scission of the polymer chains and a shortening of their length.

Gel permeation chromatography (GPC, also known as size exclusion chromatography, SEC), de-

termines the molecular weight distribution of polymers, is therefore key to studying biodegrad-

able materials by giving an insight into the rate at which a material might degrade, and revealing

the presence of degraded polymer chains in a sample.

This poster shows examples of GPC applications involving different bioplastics and biodegrad-

able polymers.


Notes


Exhibitor


METTLER TOLEDO is a global manufacturer and marketer of precision instruments for use in

laboratory, industrial and food retailing applications. The Company has strong worldwide lead-

ership positions. A significant majority of our instrument sales are in segments in which we are

the global leader. In addition to a broad product offering, we have one of the largest global sales

and service organizations among precision instrument companies.

We focus on the high value-added segments of our markets by providing innovative instruments

that often integrate various technologies including application-specific solutions for customers.

We design our instruments not only to gather valuable data but also to facilitate the processing

and transfer of this data into customers’ management information systems.

METTLER TOLEDO is geographically diversified with sales in 2012 derived 34% from Europe,

34% from the Americas and 32% from Asia and other countries. The Company has an extensive

global sales and service organizations with approximately 6,000, or approximately one-half, of

our employees providing sales and service in 36 countries. The Company has a manufacturing

presence in Europe, the United States and China.


Exhibitor


Notes

materials formulation & technology

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-


Certech

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