API, an Italian company specialized in the production of thermoplastic elastomeric compounds and bioplastics that was acquired by global materials company Trinseo in July 2017, has introduced a broadened portfolio of APINAT® Bioplastics for single-serve coffee capsules.
In response to a growing consumer demand for compostable coffee capsules, API launched new grades of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics, including thermoplastic elastomers TPE-E and TPC.
APINAT Bioplastics offer exceptional mechanical and thermal characteristics during the brewing process and can easily substitute conventional plastics. The new grades are suitable both for injection molding and continuous compression molding.
The new plastic grades are based on 60 percent to more than 90 percent of renewable resources and comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration and EU food contact regulations.
APINAT series products also conform to biodegradability standards of the European Bioplastics Association and the scientifically recognized standards for the biodegradability and compostability of plastic products (EU 13432/EN 14995 and US ASTM D6400 standards).
“Consumers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly solutions for their coffee machines,” said Aldo Zanetti, Business Unit Manager, API. “This innovation around APINAT Bioplastics reinforces API’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, offering coffee in compostable coffee capsules.”
In 2016 alone, the industry still produced more than 35 billion non-recyclable plastic coffee capsules worldwide. Experts expect an increase of 17 billion plastic capsules by the end of 2020.
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