Latest Generation of Mater-Bi® at K 2013

Increase in content of renewable raw materials, improvement in technical and environmental performance, further reduction in the use of fossil feedstock -- Fourth generation Mater-Bi® includes 4 proprietary technologies, creating new associated technologies

At K 2013, the leading trade fair for plastic materials and rubber, Novamont will make its worldwide presentation of products from the third and fourth generation of Mater-Bi®, the family of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics designed to resolve specific environmental problems, but also to offer opportunities for reindustrialisation through the creation of integrated Biorefineries. In this way it is possible to manufacture bioplastics capable of optimising the use of resources and minimising environmental risks associated with end-of-life, while also complying with the following requirements:

  • a C14 renewability percentage over the 50% threshold;
  • cradle-to-grave greenhouse emissions per kilo of product significantly lower than those of traditional plastics;
  • recyclability in accordance with the standards of national recycling consortiums;
  • compliance with certain standards for marine biodegradation;
  • biodegradability in composting in accordance with the EN 13432 standard;
  • sustainable biomass used in production.

The new generation of materials, that integrate the two consolidated technologies of complexed starches and polyesters from oils with two new technologies, can be used in a wide range of applications, including flexible and rigid films, coatings, printing, extrusion and thermoforming. It contains an even higher proportion of renewable raw materials and an even lower level of greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil feedstock.

The industrialisation of the two new highly innovative technologies will make it possible to produce two monomers from renewable sources. The first is from the vegetable oil production chain, obtained using a world leading technology which transforms oils into azelaic acid and other acids through a chemical process (in the advanced stage of development by Matrìca). The other comes from the sugars transformed through fermentation into 1.4 BDO, using Genomatica technology.

Novamont had presented the roadmap for future generations of Mater-Bi® products at the European Bioplastics Conference held in Berlin in 2009; the objectives set then have been rigorously pursued thanks to the creation of a system of strategic alliances, with investments in the order of 300 million euro.

“The creation of the third and fourth generations of our bioplastics marks an important milestone in the strategy for developing the Novamont model of the integrated biorefinery, based on connected proprietary technologies applied to declining industrial sites. In Europe these sites can become catalysts for the regeneration of areas which are currently facing serious difficulties, as part of a regional development model with local roots and a global vision, encouraging entrepreneurship and teaching the efficient use of resources through a real school in this field,” said Alessandro Ferlito, Novamont’s Commercial Director.

About Novamont
Novamont is the leading company in the development and production of materials and biochemicals through the integration of chemistry, the environment and agriculture. With 323 employees (20% employed full time in R&D), it registered a turnover of €135 million in 2012 and made continuous investments in research and development activities (4.9% of its 2012 turnover). It has a portfolio of around 1,000 patents. It has its headquarters in Novara, a production facility in Terni and research laboratories in Novara, Terni and Piana di Monte Verna (CE).
Novamont has subsidiaries in Porto Torres (SS) and Bottrighe (RO). It has commercial offices in Germany, France and the United States and operates through its own distributors in Benelux, Scandinavia, Denmark, the United Kingdom, China, Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Source

Novamont, press release, 2013-10-16.

Supplier

Geno (formerly Genomatica, Inc.)
Novamont S.p.A.

Share

Renewable Carbon News – Daily Newsletter

Subscribe to our daily email newsletter – the world's leading newsletter on renewable materials and chemicals

Subscribe