Product/Service

DuPont™ Biomax®

Source: DuPont Engineering Polymers and DuPont Automotive
DuPont Packaging recently launched commercial availability of DuPont™ Biomax® Strong, an additive that improves the performance of bio-based, biodegradable polylactic acid packaging

Bio-based and biodegradable packaging just got better. DuPont Packaging recently launched commercial availability of DuPont™ Biomax® Strong, an additive that improves the performance of bio-based, biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) packaging. Considered a sustainable alternative to petrochemical-derived products, PLA is derived from the fermentation of agricultural products. Bio-based and biodegradable, PLA is believed to have held strong appeal among the packaging industry for select industrial applications, which view the strong benefits and consumer demand of offering environmentally friendly packaging. PLA's attractiveness as a sustainable alternative is believed to be enhanced by the capability of the material to be composted in industrial facilities. However, despite its strong attributes and allure, packaging and industrial products made of PLA have been hindered by performance deficiencies that include brittleness and decreased durability when compared to the competing petroleum derived plastics, says DuPont.

Leveraging the company's expertise in polymer modification, DuPont developed Biomax® Strong, a petrochemical additive that improves the toughness and reduces the brittleness of PLA materials. According to company sources:

  • Biomax® Strong enhances the impact strength, flexibility and melt stability of PLA – greatly improving the performance attributes of the polymer – particularly when used in rigid applications like cast sheets for thermoforming and injection molding. When used at the recommended levels, between one to five percent of weight, Biomax® Strong outperforms competing products with improved toughness and minimal impact on transparency.
  • Two grades of Biomax® Strong will be made commercially available. The first grade, Biomax® Strong 100, is available now and was developed for use in packaging where no regulatory food compliance is necessary. The second grade, Biomax® Strong 120, is expected to be available in three to six months and was developed to comply with food contact regulatory requirements.

For More information on Biomax®, please visit http://www2.dupont.com/Biomax/en_US/ .

SOURCE: DuPont