Teknor Apex Receives SPI's 2014 'Innovation in Bioplastics' Award for Development of High-Heat, High-Impact, Compostable PLA
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PHILADELPHIA - SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association today presented its second annual "Innovation in Bioplastics Award" to Teknor Apex Company for development of Terraloy® high-impact, heat-resistant polylactic acid (PLA) compounds, which are compostable and generate less greenhouse gas than standard resins for applications such as disposables and food ware, it was announced today by the Bioplastics Division of Teknor Apex.
The award was presented during the Smithers Rapra Biopolymers Symposium, held May 12-13 in Philadelphia, and was accepted for Teknor Apex by Edwin Tam, manager of new strategic initiatives.
"The work of our Terraloy technical team, headed by technical manager Greg Anderson, along with our research partner Cerestech Inc., has enabled us to enhance polylactic acid in areas such as heat resistance, impact resistance and processability while retaining key bioplastics values such as FDA compliance, high bio-based content, and compostability," said Mr. Tam.
The new Terraloy HDT PLA compounds are available in extrusion grades for thermoformed products like lids, cups, bowls, and trays and injection molding grades for cutlery, cups, and bowls. Besides being FDA compliant, the compounds have been designated by our customers as compostable in accordance with the ASTM D-6400 standard, and Teknor Apex has received USDA BioPreferred certification. Bio-based content of the molding and extrusion grades is 84 and 96%, respectively.
In a life-cycle analysis, Terraloy HDT PLA compound exhibited slightly more potential for greenhouse gas generation than uncompounded PLA resin and less than half that of high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), which is commonly used in many target applications.
"Innovations such as this are what keeps the plastics industry on the cutting edge of technology," said SPI President and CEO William R. Carteaux.
The "Innovation in Bioplastics" awards program, launched by SPI's Bioplastic Council in 2013, recognizes outstanding innovation in unique and creative application of bioplastics materials, products, or processes by a company. Entries are judged on innovation, sustainability benefits, and impact on the marketplace.
Photo Caption: Edwin Tam (at right in photo), manager of new strategic initiatives for Teknor Apex, accepts SPI's 2014 "Innovation in Bioplastics" award from Steve Davies, chairman of SPI's Bioplastics Council and director of communications for NatureWorks.
THE BIOPLASTICS DIVISION OF TEKNOR APEX COMPANY is a custom compounder of plastics derived from renewable resources. Product families include: 1) hybrids that combine thermoplastic starch (TPS) with standard petrochemical-based polymers such as polyolefins or polystyrene; 2) biodegradable or compostable blends of bioplastics such as TPS, PLA, PBAT, and PHA, some of which meet ASTM D-6400 and are listed by the Biodegradable Products Institute; 3) recycled-content hybrids that combine post-industrial or post-consumer polyolefins with TPS; and 4) PLA-based masterbatches that incorporate additives such as impact modifier or melt strength enhancers. Parent company Teknor Apex is one of the world's leading custom compounders of thermoplastics, including vinyls, elastomers, nylons, and color concentrates. Teknor Apex was established in 1924 and is privately held. Headquartered in Pawtucket, RI, U.S.A., it manufactures in the U.S.A., Singapore, China, and the UK and sells in 90 countries. Visit www.teknorapex.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tel: 1-401-725-8000. Fax: 1-401-724-8520. Email: bioplastics@teknorapex.com
