Laurel BioComposite Receives BPI Certification for Bio-Res PLA
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Laurel, Nebraska — More than 4 billion petroleum-based plastic containers are used annually according to a recent study by Iowa State University. That’s 832,000 tons and less than 2 percent of that amount is recycled or re-used. In fact, the U.S. has generated more plastic in the last decade than has been mass-produced in the last century. With manufacturers and retail segments on the hunt for eco-friendly alternatives, one company has developed and commercialized a robust alternative and they make it from plants.
Laurel BioComposite’s Bio-Res PLA delivers a number of key advantages to manufacturers, consumers and the lawn and gardening and agriculture markets. Following third party testing in 2015 to verify the green product met ASTM D6868 requirements, NSF International awarded Laurel BioComposite BPI certification for Bio-Res PLA. Unlike traditional polypropylene or polyethylene products Bio-Res PLA is anaerobically compostable in municipal and industrial compost facilities. Laurel BioComposite also recently earned the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label for Bio-Res PLA with 97 percent biobased content as well as its Bio-Res PE product with 62 percent biobased content and Bio-Res powder with 100 percent biobased content.
Laurel BioComposite uses Natureworks’ Ingeo Brand PLA in its Bio-Res PLA compounds. The patented Ingeo polymer is made from renewable resources. In addition to its low carbon footprint, manufacturers can cost effectively use Bio-Res PLA in existing equipment. Custom blends are available and the material is colorable.Â
“Bio-Res PLA is suited to injection molding applications and available in extrusion grades for thermoforming processes,” says Tim Bearnes, president of Laurel BioComposite. “Like our USDA certified product label, BPI certification gives us an industry recognized seal that assures manufacturers that the critical traits of Bio-Res PLA have been successfully tested to ASTM standards for composting.”
Laurel BioComposite continues to create new products that combine performance with green technology. Its proprietary Bio-Res pellets are a cost-effective replacement for fossil-based resins. Bio-Res can also be mixed with bio-resins for a range of product applications in the agriculture, lawn and garden, shipping and automotive markets. The sustainable material replaces 20 to 40 percent of the neat resin in a variety of manufacturing processes. Laurel BioComposite’s Bio-Res powder is a replacement for traditional mineral fillers. Bio-Res pellets and powder are available in master batches. In addition to its capability to produce up to 50 million pounds of Bio-Res material annually, Laurel BioComposite has the processing expertise to partner with companies up and down the supply chain for implementation of Bio-Res Products in an existing product line or for commercialization of an original concept.
For more information visit:Â www.laurelbiocomposite.com
Laurel BioComposite
Contact: Michaela Munger
402-256-9053
mmunger@laurelbiocomposite.com
