Willich, August 2014 – Global specialty chemicals leader Clariant and bioplastics specialist FKuR announce their distribution agreement for North America. With immediate effect, Clariant Masterbatches will market, sell and distribute FKuR’s full line of biodegradable and biobased products in North America. FKuR’s product portfolio includes Bio-Flex®, Biograde®, Fibrolon®, Terralene® and TerramidTM.
Sustainability is a crucial element of Clariant’s Business Strategy. „For that reason, we have initiated a program called ‘Sustainability@Clariant’ and it comprises all our sustainability activities. As a strong driver of our profitable growth strategy, ‘Sustainability@Clariant’ is an integral part of the way we work. Many of our products are excellent examples of how sustainability and innovation have been successfully incorporated into a competitive portfolio in the marketplace. We value our partnership with FKuR, a specialist in the field of bioplastics. We are excited to add their product lines to our current portfolio,” said Peter Prusak, Head of Marketing – Clariant Masterbatches North America.
For Carmen Michels, President of FKuR Plastics Corp, the new distribution agreement is a logical step for FKuR’s growth in North America. “As ‘The Bioplastic Specialist’ we offer innovative product solutions for all processing methods and applications our customers wish to realize using bioplastics. With Clariant Masterbatches, we have expanded our ability to service customers’ needs within USA and Canada.” stated Michels.
As of now, Clariant Masterbatches will distribute FKuR’s compounds which include:
- Bio-Flex® – PLA blends for extrusion, thermoforming and injection molding
- Biograde® – Cellulose blends for injection molding
- Fibrolon® – Wood fiber reinforced compounds (WPC)
- Terralene® – Compounds based on I’m GreenTM Polyethylene
- TerramidTM – Compounds based on VESTAMID® Terra polyamides
The growth of the bioplastics industry over the last years has been substantial due to the demand for products used for packaging goods with a short shelf-life such as bags & shoppers, food packaging, mulch films etc. For these applications the biodegradability and the associated alternative disposal route are of benefit for the consumer.
Whereas the major selling point for both durable and non-durable products is the content of renewable resource materials and the resulting saving of fossil-based resources and the associated CO2 emissions.
FKuR’s focus is to serve both application areas. Depending on the grade, FKuR products guarantee a long service life or are biodegradable and break down into naturally occurring, harmless base materials i.e. humus, CO2 and water.
On the one hand, FKuR produces bio-based and compostable plastics using the highest amount of renewable resources. On the other hand, FKuR has products for customers seeking to create a closed-loop system for compostable bioplastics without losing any valuable resources along the way.
About FKuR
FKuR is one of the leading producers of Bioplastic-Compounds for flexible packaging solutions and technical applications. FKuR’s range of products includes the product lines Bio-Flex®, Biograde®, Fibrolon®, Terralene® and TerramidTM as well as the distribution of a variety of biobased products.
About Clariant
Clariant is a globally leading specialty chemicals company, based in Muttenz near Basel/Switzerland. On December 31, 2013 the company employed a total workforce of 18,099. In the financial year 2013, Clariant recorded sales of CHF 6.076 billion for its continuing businesses. The company reports in five business areas: Care Chemicals, Masterbatches, Catalysis & Energy, Natural Resources, and Plastics & Coatings. Clariant’s corporate strategy is based on four pillars: managing businesses for profitability, research & development and innovation, growth in emerging markets and repositioning of the portfolio. Clariant’s North American headquarters is located in Charlotte, N.C. All of Clariant’s Business Units are fully represented in North America.
Source
FKuR, press release, 2014-08-04.
Supplier
Clariant International AG
FKuR Kunststoff GmbH
Share
Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter
Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals
