BASF receives FDA notification to extend use of functional additives

31-Mar-09

BASF recently received a new Food Contact Notification (FCN) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that broadens the use of Joncryl ADR4368-C and Joncryl ADR4368-CS functional additives in packaging applications. The notification states that the additives may be used in the manufacture of single-use food packaging*. Joncryl additives are reactive polymers that, when added during melt processing, enhance mechanical properties of food-packaging polyesters, such as PET, and emerging bioplastic polyesters, such as PLA and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). This boost in performance can be used to achieve higher regrind and recycle rates, improve hydrolytic stability, and increase production rates. Typical applications include blown films, extruded sheet, thermoformed articles, blow-molded bottles, polyester foams (including PLA), and the compatibilization of polycondensate blends. Alex Sokolowski Ph.D., Business Development Manager, Joncryl Functional Additives for Plastics, for BASF in North America says, "The additives enable the use of recycled material while matching the performance of virgin resin. Often, a small amount of our additive (less than 0.4%) is sufficient to build molecular weight and improve melt strength to desired levels. At these dosages, material clarity remains unaffected."