Laurel BioComposite Receives BPI Certification for Bio-Res PLA

Company developed and commercialised robust plant-based alternative to petroleum-based plastic

Following third party testing in 2015 to verify the green product met ASTM D6868 requirements, NSF International has awarded Laurel BioComposite BPI certification for Bio-Res PLA.

Laurel says that more than 4 billion petroleum-based plastic containers are used annually according to a recent study by Iowa State University. That’s 832,000 tons and less than 2 percent of that amount is recycled or re-used. In fact, it saus that the US has generated more plastic in the last decade than has been mass-produced in the last century. With manufacturers and retail segments on the hunt for eco-friendly alternatives, one company has developed and commercialised a robust alternative and they make it from plants.

Laurel BioComposite claims that its Bio-Res PLA delivers a number of key advantages to manufacturers, consumers and the lawn and gardening and agriculture markets. Unlike traditional polypropylene or polyethylene products,it says the Bio-Res PLA is anaerobically compostable in municipal and industrial compost facilities. Laurel BioComposite also recently earned the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label for Bio-Res PLA with 97 percent biobased content as well as its Bio-Res PE product with 62 percent biobased content and Bio-Res powder with 100 percent biobased content.

Laurel uses Natureworks’ Ingeo Brand PLA in its Bio-Res PLA compounds. The patented Ingeo polymer is made from renewable resources. In addition to its low carbon footprint, manufacturers can cost effectively use Bio-Res PLA in existing equipment. Custom blends are available and the material is colourable.

“Bio-Res PLA is suited to injection moulding applications and available in extrusion grades for thermoforming processes,” says Tim Bearnes, President of Laurel BioComposite. “Like our USDA certified product label, BPI certification gives us an industry recognised seal that assures manufacturers that the critical traits of Bio-Res PLA have been successfully tested to ASTM standards for composting.”

Source

NetComposites, press release, 2016-04-05.

Supplier

Iowa State University
Laurel BioComposite LLC
NatureWorks LLC
NetComposites

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