Natur-Tec and NatureWorks Launch New Technology Platform for Performance Compostable Serviceware
19 October 2016 - 2:00AM
Natur-Tec, a business unit of Northern Technologies International
Corporation (Nasdaq:NTIC), and NatureWorks introduced today a
jointly developed technology platform that lowers the cost of
compostable serviceware while increasing its performance. The new
technology platform – formulations which are based on low carbon
footprint Ingeo™ biopolymer – produces heat resistant serviceware
with rigidity approaching that of injection molded polystyrene and
higher toughness than either polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS)
cutlery.
Compostable cutlery made using the new formulation was
benchmarked against standard PS and PP cutlery sold in the market
using practical tests designed to mimic the actual conditions of
cutlery in use. These tests compared three parameters:
rigidity, toughness (the amount of energy required to make the
implements break), and heat resistance.
Charts accompanying this release are available
at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9ba784da-bd9a-4e68-9139-0ed1c9ddb709
For injection molders, the new technology platform also
addresses a processing issue common to prior compostable cutlery
products – warpage of the cutlery during cooling and
crystallization, which can reduce overall yield and so increase the
per-piece cost. “Following field trials, injection molders relayed
to us that scrap from finished part warpage and inconsistency in
material flow, which could be up to 20 percent, is now minimal, and
less than 5 percent, when our new technology platform is used,”
said Vineet Dalal, Vice President and Director of Global Market
Development for Natur-Tec.
Natur-Tec and NatureWorks collaborated on development for more
than a year and will jointly market the technology as a two-part
resin platform that combines in one package (named BF3002HT) a
nucleated impact modified Ingeo-based masterbatch with one of
NatureWorks latest Ingeo performance grades. The two-part
Ingeo-based platform helps retain polymer properties and so
provides better mechanical performance as compared to filled-PLA
compounds. Natur-Tec will lead BF3002HT sales and marketing
efforts. The new technology platform is fully approved for food
contact and is now in final testing for compostability
certification.
Natur-Tec will also manufacture serviceware for companies
interested in test marketing cutlery before beginning in-house
injection molding. Natur-Tec personnel are available to work with
customers on applications other than serviceware, as this new
technology platform can be tailored to many different types of
compostable injection molded products, including disposable coffee
filter cups and agricultural trellis clips, and non-food contact
applications.
For technical and commercial information from Natur-Tec, email
info@natur-tec.com, call +1 763 404 8700, or visit
www.natur-tec.com/bf3002ht. Samples of the BF3002HT Ingeo-based
formulation are immediately available from Natur-Tec. For more
information on NatureWorks and Ingeo, visit www.natureworksllc.com.
Follow NatureWorks on Twitter (@natureworks) for the latest
updates.
About Northern Technologies International
Corporation
Northern Technologies International Corporation develops and
markets proprietary environmentally beneficial products and
technical services either directly or via a network of
subsidiaries, joint ventures, and independent distributors in over
50 countries. NTIC's Natur-Tec® branded products are
engineered using proprietary blends of biodegradable polymers and
natural materials to create biobased (renewable resource based) and
certified compostable plastics. The broad Natur-Tec bioplastics
portfolio spans flexible film, foam, rigid injection molded
materials, and engineered plastics. By using Natur-Tec
products as an alternative to conventional plastics, industry and
consumers reduce their carbon footprint and move towards a zero
carbon or carbon neutral footprint. It also provides for
environmentally responsible and sustainable end-of-life
solutions. For more information on Natur-Tec and Northern
Technologies International Corporation, visit
www.natur-tec.com.
About NatureWorks
NatureWorks LLC is a company dedicated to meeting the world’s
needs today without compromising the earth’s ability to meet the
needs of tomorrow. Today, NatureWorks is a world leading
biopolymers supplier and innovator with its Ingeo portfolio of
naturally advanced materials made from renewable, abundant
feedstocks with performance and economics that compete with
oil-based intermediates, plastics, and fibers, and provide brand
owners new cradle-to-cradle options after the use of their
products. NatureWorks is jointly owned by Thailand’s largest
chemical producer, PTT Global Chemical, and Cargill, which provides
food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services
to the world. For general information on NatureWorks and Ingeo,
visit www.natureworksllc.com.
Contacts:
NatureWorks
Americas & Europe
Contact: Steve Sterling
Email: steve@sterlingpr.net
Tel: +1 952-935-0078
Asia Pacific & Japan
Contact: Pauline Ning
Email: pauline_ning@natureworkspla.com
Tel: +86-138 1650 1881
Natur-Tec
Contact: Matthew Wolsfeld
Email: info@natur-tec.com
Tel: +1 763-225-6600
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