green-dot-bioplastics-19.07

Green Dot Bioplastics has expanded its Terratek BD line with nine new resins, which it says are compostable starch blends suitable for film extrusion, thermoforming, or injection moulding.

According to Green Dot Bioplastics, the new compostable resins build on the company’s existing portfolio of biocomposites, elastomers, and natural fibre-reinforced resins produced at its manufacturing facility in Onaga, Kansas.

The company claims that the new film grades are compostable starch blends that require no tooling or process modification when run on traditional blown or cast film equipment. These resins are apparently suitable for packaging and single-use applications, such as produce bags, bubble wrap, agricultural films, and other lawn and garden packaging.

The new film resins include Terratek BD3003, which reportedly exhibits high puncture resistance and tear strength while being heat sealable like linear low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film. Meanwhile, the Terratek BD3300 is a stiff, high-modulus material with high heat resistance and overall properties similar to HDPE film, according to the company.

In addition, Green Dot Bioplastics says the film grades deliver faster rates of biodegradability for home composting, industrial composting, and soil biodegradability. The company has applied for third-party certification for the film materials by TüV Austria

The company adds that the portfolio now includes three new thermoforming grades, which apparently provide a range of properties including clarity. Other grades provide higher heat performance and greater flexibility for applications such as food service packaging, takeout containers, deli packages, and straws, the company claims. The thermoforming grades are completing final certification by TüV Austria.

Green Dot Bioplastics says that the expanded portfolio will also include two injection moulding grades, which reportedly offer higher heat performance and enhanced processability (lower cycle times) for caps/closures, food service ware, and takeout containers.

Mark Remmert, CEO of Green Dot Bioplastics, comments: “This launch culminates our extensive development of a new category of compostable materials for single-use applications and packaging markets.

“We’ve successfully developed unique materials that have a faster rate of biodegradation in ambient composting conditions and the functional performance that the market demands.”