PLA based polymer blends for thermoformed and injection-molded packaging show promise for film, blow molding

22-May-15

Bioplastic technology company Floreon Transforming Packaging Ltd, Hull, U.K., has been granted a patent for Floreon, a biodegradable, polyester-based polymer blend of a standard bioplastic, polylactic acid (PLA). The patented technology yields a resin that is much tougher and easier to process than current materials and has the potential to expand the uses of bioplastics. Produced from sustainable (plant) feedstock, conventional PLA has been characterized for lack of toughness and a tendency to lose strength during storage in warm conditions, which has limited its use. Floreon is a PLA-based bioplastic suitable for manufacturing articles such as bottles, but with improved mechanical, physical, chemical and thermal properties. Not only does Floreon have improved toughness, higher strength and durability compared to PLA, but it is also recyclable, biodegradable and requires far less energy to process compared to rival products.