Compostable Plastics suit thermoforming and injection molding.

Press Release Summary:



With processing window of 176–248°F, ecovio® T2308 is suitable for thermoformed trays and cups. Content of ecoflex® compostable polyester ensures material is not too stiff or too brittle so products are not damaged during transportation and storage. Material is translucent and can be sealed with cover films. Dimensionally stable under heat up to 131°F, injection-molding grade ecovio IS1335 can be processed using single- or multi-cavity molds and is suitable for complex and high-quality packaging.



Original Press Release:



From Films to Trays and Tubes: New Variants of the Compostable Plastic Ecovio



• New variants of the compostable plastic ecovio

• Thermoformable version for food trays

• Injection molding grade for complex and high quality packaging



BASF has once again added variants to its range of the compostable and partially bio-based plastic ecovio®. The ecovio® T2308 is now available for the processing method of thermoforming. For injection molding the company offers the new ecovio® IS1335 grade.



So far, the ecovio grades that have made their mark on the market are those for the extrusion sector, in other words, for producing films that can then be further processed into bags as well as mulch film. Since the packaging sector is displaying a growing interest in certified compostable plastics, BASF has now augmented its product line by new grades intended for two other significant processing technologies. Both of these products are now available in commercial quantities. They consist predominantly of renewable raw materials and lend themselves well for being dyed.



For thermoforming trays and cups

Thermoformed trays and cups can now be made with ecovio T2308. This plastic exhibits similar mechanical properties to those of amorphous PET, but it differs from this conventional thermoforming material by virtue of its compostability and its high content of renewable resources (polylactic acid). The content of ecoflex®, which is BASF's compostable polyester, accounts for the fact that the material is not too stiff or too brittle. As a result, thermoformed trays and cups are not damaged during transportation and storage. The ecoflex component also ensures a balanced stiffness-to-strength ratio and sufficient low-temperature impact strength.



The processing window for ecovio T, between 80°C and 120°C [176°F and 248°F], is very broad in comparison to other plastics. Processing can be carried out on conventional flat-film installations and at the processing speeds that are typical for thermoforming. Like all ecovio grades, it also complies with the stipulations for products that come into contact with food. The material is translucent and can be adequately sealed with cover films.



For injection molding complex and high-quality packaging

The second novelty in the ecovio product line, namely, the injection-molding grade ecovio IS1335, also offers good stiffness. It can be processed using single-cavity or multi-cavity molds that are equipped with or without hot runners. This material exhibits moderate flowing characteristics and is dimensionally stable under heat up to 55°C [131°F]. This variant lends itself for thin-walled, complex and high-quality packaging, which should preferably be manufactured by injection molding and should be compostable. With an eye towards differentiating the product on the market, the product can also be decorated employing in-mold labeling.



In cooperation with independent institutes, BASF has conducted experiments on the compostability of injection-molded test specimens. Results show that, depending on the application, injection-molded products made of ecovio IS1335 having wall thicknesses of as much as 1.1 mm degrade in accordance with the EN 13432 standard for compostable packaging.



The compostable plastic ecovio

BASF has been offering ecovio®, the completely compostable plastic according to DIN standard EN 13432 for biodegradable packaging, since 2006. For many years now, BASF has been working closely together with plastic processors, brand owners, supermarkets as well as environmental associations and numerous waste-disposal companies such as composting operations, in order to test and optimize the properties of ecovio. Thanks to the outcome of these joint endeavors and research work, BASF can now offer ecovio, a plastic that is not only completely compostable according to the applicable international standards, but that also has a high content of renewable raw materials and that nevertheless is sufficiently sturdy to allow the production of tear-resistant bags, mulch films, coated paper, trays and cups.

www.ecovio.com



About BASF

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of ?72.1 billion in 2012 and more than 110,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.



Dr. Sabine Philipp

Trade media

Phone: +49 621 60-43348

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