material biopolymers biopolymers are polymers that are ... · material biopolymers biopolymers are...
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Material Biopolymers
Biopolymers are polymers that aregenerated from renewable naturalsources, are often biodegradable, andnot toxic to produce.
They can be produced by biologicalsystems (i.e. micro-organisms, plantsand animals), or chemically synthesizedfrom biological starting materials (e.g.sugars, starch, natural fats or oils, etc.).
Biopolymers are an alternative topetroleum-based polymers (traditionalplastics).(Bio)polyesters have properties similarto traditional polyesters.Starch-based polymers are often a blendof starch and other plastics (e.g PE),which allows for enhancedenvironmental properties.
PolyestersBiopolymer type
Price(DKK/kg)
Density(kg/liter)
Aliphatic-aromaticcopolymer
- -
Aliphatic polyesters - -
CPLA 25-50 1.25
PCL - -
PHA 15-60 1.25
PLA 30-70 1.26
Starch-basedpolymers Biopolymer type Price (DKK/kg)
Density(kg/liter)
10 % Starch - -
50 % Starch - -
90 % Starch 20-40 -
Foamed starch - -
OthersBiopolymer type
Price(DKK/kg)
Density(kg/liter)
Caseinformaldehyde
- 1.33
Celluose acetate - -
Horn - -
Environ-mentals
notes
Some polymers degrade in only a few weeks, whileothers take several months.Biodegradability and other plastic propertiesstrongly depend on the polymer structure. Bychanging the structure, these properties can bealtered.
Price The above-mentioned prices are from December1997.The price of biopolymers is still fairly highcompared to oil-based polymers. This is due tolower production-volumes than petroleum-basedpolymers.However, the growing environmentalconsciousness and the application of life-cycleevaluations in the material circuit may helpbiomass-based raw materials to becomemass-produced and cheaper, replacing traditionalplastics in a number of applications.Significant price reductions can be expected withinthe next two years.
References Links:Biodegradable Polymers and Plastics in JapanDTI, Centre for Product DevelopmentGBF - Enviromental Biochemical EngineeringProterra - International Centre for Agro-basedMaterialsHow green are green plastics?
Companies:Biotec GmbHNational Starch & Chemical
Books, Magazines & Papers:Biopolymers (journal)Biopolymers (paper)
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1997-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Horn
Return tomaterials description
Material Aliphatic-aromatic copolymer
This copolymer combines the excellentmaterial properties of aromatic PET, andthe biodegradability of aliphaticpolyesters. It is soft, pliable (producinglow noise) and has a good touch.Melting-points are high for a degradablematerial (around 200°C).
Depending on the application, up to threealiphatic monomers are incorporated intothe PET structure. The monomers createweak spots in the polymeric chains,thereby making them susceptible todegradation through hydrolysis.
Applications include disposal bags,diapers and eating utensils. It can be usedto create geo-textiles and plant pots, andit is suitable for thermoformed blownbottles and injection moulded objects.
Category Biopolymers
Processes Blow mouldingInjection mouldingExtrusion
References DupontGBF - Enviromental Biochemical Engineering
Price It is only marginally more expensive to produce thanPET itself because it can be manufactured withexisting equipment using existing bulk monomers.Currently available degradable materials can costtwice as much.
Environmen-tal notes
Disposal: It can be recycled, incinerated or landfilled,but is intended mainly for disposal composting andin-soil degradation. If properly disposed, it degradesin eight weeks.The large polymer molecules are cleaved by moistureinto smaller molecules, which are then consumed bynaturally occurring microbes and converted to carbondioxide and water.
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1998-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Material Aliphatic polyesters
Aliphatic polyesters have propertiessimilar to those of PE and PP. They areodorless and can be used for trash bags,diapers, and cosmetic and beveragebottles.
They can be processed on conventionalprocessing equipment at 140-260 °C, inblown and extruded films, foams, andinjection moulded products.
Aliphatic polyesters are biodegradablebut often lack in good thermal andmechanical properties. Vice versa,aromatic polyesters, like PET, haveexcellent material properties, but areresistant to microbial attack.
Category Biopolymers
Products Pot for plants
Processes Blow mouldingInjection mouldingExtrusion
Similarmaterials
PET (aromatic polyester)
References Showa Highpolymer Co. Ltd. (Bionolle®)
Environmen-tal notes
Creation: Made from polycondensation reaction ofglycol and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids. Bothcomponents can be obtained from renewableresources (e.g. glycol from glycerol by fermentation).
Disposal: It biodegrades to water and carbon dioxidein soil as well as fresh and ocean water areas.The rate of degradation depends on grade, shape ofthe product, and level of microbiological activity.Typically, degradation of a 0.04 mm thick film takestwo months.When coated with coconut-shell powder, and buriedin soil, it decomposes within five days. In fact,coconut-shell powder absorbs water and swells,helping microorganisms to live on the biodegradablefilm.
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1998-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Material CPLA - Polylactide aliphatic copolymer
Biodegradable CPLA is a mixture oflactide and aliphatic polyesters. It can beeither a hard plastic (similar to PS) or asoft flexible one (similar to PP)depending on the amount of aliphaticpolyester present in the mixture.
Possible applications will includecompost bags, cushioning materials, foodwrapping materials, fishing nets, etc.It is easy to process with stability up to200 °C.
Category Biopolymers
Processes Most conventional plastic processes like:Blow mouldingInjection mouldingExtrusionVacuum formingFibre spinning
Similarmaterials
Aliphatic polyesters
References Dainippon Ink and Chemicals Inc. (DIC)
Price DIC plans to produce several tons per year at a priceranging from 25 to 50 DKK/kg.
Environmen-tal notes
Creation: CPLA is made by copolymerising lactide(made by fermenting cornstarch, cheese whey, etc.)with aliphatic polyester (e.g dicarboxylic acid orglycol made from fermentation of glycerol). All arerenewable resources.
Disposal: If incinerated, no toxic substances aregenerated.The heating value and carbon dioxide generatedduring combustion are lower, by almost half thelevel, of that generated by PE or PS.
Although CPLA has a high molecular weight and
high melting-point, it begins breaking down into alow-molecular weight polymer, in naturalenvironments, after 5-6 months. Completedecomposition after 12 months.When composted with food garbage, it beginsbreaking down into a low-molecular weight after 2weeks.
AdditionalInfo
CPLA does not dissolve in alcoholic solvents, oils,and diluted solution of strong acids. It does dissolvein aromatic hydrocarbon, concentrated acids, andcaustic soda.
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1998-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Material PCL - Polycaprolactone
Polycaprolactone is a biodegradablethermoplastic polymer derived from thechemical synthesis of crude oil. Althoughnot produced from renewable rawmaterials, it is fully biodegradable.
Polycaprolactone has good water, oil,solvent and chlorine resistance. It has alow melting-point (58-60 °C) and lowviscosity, and it is easy to process.
It is used mainly in thermoplasticpolyurethanes, resins for surface coatings,adhesives and synthetic leather andfabrics. It also serves to make stiffenersfor shoes and orthopedic splints, and fullybiodegradable compostable bags, sutures,and fibres.
Category Biopolymers
References Solvay Caprolactones (CAPA®)Union Carbide Corp. (Tone)
Environmen-tal notes
Disposal: Fully biodegradable.The low melting-point makes the material suited forcomposting as a means of disposal, due to thetemperature obtained during composting routinelyexceeding 60 °C.
Degradation time is very short. In Sweden there hasbeen an attempt to produce PCL bags, but theydegraded before reaching the customers.
AdditionalInfo
Polycaprolactone is often mixed with starch to obtaina good biodegradable material at a low price (~20DKK/kg lower than other aliphatic polyesters).The mix has been successefully used for making trashbags in Korea (Yukong Company).
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1998-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Material PHAs - Polyhydroxyalkanoates
PHAs are linear polyesters produced innature by bacterial fermentation of sugaror lipids.More than 100 different monomers canbe combined within this family to givematerials with extremely differentproperties.
They can be either thermoplastic orelastomeric materials, withmelting-points ranging from 40 to 180°C.The most common type of PHAs is PHB(poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate). PHB hasproperties similar to those of PP, howeverit is stiffer and more brittle.
A PHB copolymer called PHBV(polyhydroxybutyrate-valerate) is lessstiff and tougher, and it is used aspackaging material.
Category Biopolymers
Products Bone plateRazor, biodegradable (PHA)Shampoo bottle, biodegradable (PHBV)Surgical sutures
Processes Blow mouldingInjection mouldingExtrusion
Keywords PHBPHBV
References Monsanto Company (BiopolTM)PHB production
Price The price (1997: 15-60 DKK/kg) is very highcompared to other oil-derived polymers.Prices are thus falling down (1993: 100-140 DKK/kg)and, in a couple of years they could reach a levelwhich would enable mass-production (2-6 DKK/kg).
Environmen-tal notes
Creation: Made from renewable natural sources likesugar.
Use: It is biocompatible and therefore can beimplanted in the body without causing inflammations.The producer claims that is not toxic.
Disposal: It biodegrades in microbially activeenvironments in 5-6 weeks.The action of some enzymes produced by microbssolubilises PHB which is then absorbed through thecell wall and metabolised.
PHB is normally broken down to carbon dioxide andwater when degraded in aerobic conditions. Inabsence of oxygen the degradation is faster, andmethane is also produced.PHB is not degraded in biologically inactive systemssuch as sanitary landfills.
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1998-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Material PLA - Polylactide
PLA is a biodegradable thermoplasticderived from lactic acid.
It resembles clear polystyrene, providesgood aesthetics (gloss and clarity), but itis stiff and brittle and needs modificationsfor most practical applications (i.e.plasticizers increase its flexibility).
It can be processed like mostthermoplastics into fibres, films,thermoformed or injection moulded.Used for compost bags, plant pots,diapers and packaging.
Category Biopolymers
Products Compostable bag
Processes Most conventional plastic processes like:Blow mouldingInjection mouldingExtrusionVacuum formingFibre spinning
References Neste Corporate TechnologyCargill Dow Polymers LLC
Price Current prices (1997) are between 40 and 70DKK/kg.
Environmen-tal notes
Creation: Lactic acid can be obtained on the basis ofrenewable starch containing resources (e.g. corn,wheat or sugar beat) by fermentation, or by chemicalsynthesis of non-renewable resources.
Disposal: If composted properly it takes 3-4 weeksfor complete degradation.The first stage of degradation (two weeks) is ahydrolisis to water soluble oligomers and lactic acid.The latter, as a naturally occurring substance, is arapid metabolisation into CO2, water and biomass bya variety of micro-organisms.
AdditionalInfo
The future tendency is towards a sharp decrease ofthe price, thanks to the introduction of plants capableto mass-produce the material. Future prices areexpected to fall to few times the price of PP (15-20DKK/kg).
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1998-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Material 10 % Starch
Starch can be used as biodegradableadditive or replacement material intraditional oil-based commodity plastics.
If starch is added to petroleum derivedpolymers (e.g. PE), it allowsdisintegration of the blend, but not itsbiodegradability.
Category Biopolymers
Products Compostable bags
Environmen-tal notes
Disposal: Starch can in theory accelerate thedisintegration or fragmentation of the syntheticpolymer chains.Microbial action consumes the starch, therebycreating pores in the material, which weaken it andenable it to break apart.
Disintegration of starch-plastic blends is not the sameas biodegradation.Their breakdown, also under optimal conditions, isquite slow. Starch content needs to exceed 60%before significant material breakdown occurs.
AdditionalInfo
In 1993 LDPE-starch blends were commercializedunder the trade name Ecostar®
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1998-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Material 50 % Starch
Also called plastified starch materials.They exhibit mechanical propertiessimilar to conventional plastics such asPP, and are generally resistant to oils andalcohols, however, they degrade whenexposed to hot water.
Properties of these materials can bevaried as the content of starch and othermaterials changes.They are fully biodegradable andcompostable, and they can replacetraditional plastics in food service, foodpackaging, personal health care, etc.
Their basic content (40-80%) is cornstarch, a renewable natural material. Therest is performance-enhancing additivesand other biodegradable materials.
Category Biopolymers
Products Pen, biodegradableGolf teesTrash bags
Processes Most conventional plastic processes like:Blow mouldingInjection mouldingExtrusionThermoforming
References Novamont S.p.A. (Mater-Bi®)
Environmen-tal notes
Creation: Made of renewable natural sources(starch).
Disposal: When disposed in biologically activeenvironments such as composte facilities andwastewater treatments systems, they displaydegradation characteristics similar to leaves, woodchips and paper.
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1998-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Material 90 % Starch
Usually referred to as thermoplasticstarch.They are stable in oils and fats, however,depending on the type, they can varyfrom stable to unstable in hot/cold water.They can be processed by traditionaltechniques for plastics.
These materials consist mainly (>90%) ofstarch obtained from renewable naturalsources. Colouring and flame retardantadditives are possible.
Category Biopolymers
Products Starch-based tubeDegradable compost bagsAgricultural mulch filmGolf tees
Processes Most conventional plastic processes like:Blow mouldingInjection mouldingExtrusionThermoforming
References Biotec GmbH (Bioplast®)NOVON International (NOVON®)
Price Prices vary from 20 to 40 DKK/kg
Environmen-tal notes
Creation: Made of renewable natural sources.
Disposal: Depending on the grade, thermoplasticstarch can degrade completely within five days inaqueous aerobic testing and in 45 days in a controlledcompost, or can even decompose in water.
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1998-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Material Foamed starch
Starch can be environmentally friendlyblown into a foamed material using watersteam.
Foamed starch is antistatic, insulating andshock absorbing, therefore a goodreplacement for polystyrene foam.
It can be used as packaging material orcan be pressed into starch-based sheet forthin-walled products, such as trays,disposable dishes etc.
Category Biopolymers
Products Loose-fillDisposable cup
Processes Water steam foamingExtrusionCuttingMoulding
Similarmaterials
Foamed PS
References Biotec GmbH (Biopur®)National Starch & Chemical (Eco-Foam®)Norel (EnvirofillTM)
Environmen-tal notes
Creation: Foamed starch is 99% starch, which is arenewable resource found in corn, wheat, rice,potatoes, etc.Foaming is performed using water steam instead ofhydrocarbon-based blowing agents used for blowingPS.
Disposal: It dissolves when soaked with waterleaving just a dilute corn starch solution. The solutionis not toxic and is consumed by microbial life inabout ten days, leaving only carbon dioxide andwater.
It can also be re-used, recycled, incinerated, orcomposted along with other organic materials, sinceit decomposes very quickly.
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1998-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Material Casein formaldehyde
Casein formaldehyde is a plastic ofnatural protein origin, made from organicsubstances such as milk, horn orvegetable products such as soy beans,wheat, etc.
It can be made to look like celluloid,ivory, or artificial horn.It is odourless, insoluble in water, andonly with difficulty inflammable.
In the first decades of this century, caseinformaldehyde was used to make buttons,pins, cigarette-cases, fountain pens,umbrella handles and radio cabinets.
Category Biopolymers
Products Button for clothesGramophone box
References Plastic museum
Environmen-tal notes
Creation: Made from chemical modification ofcasein, which is a natural renewable resource.
AdditionalInfo
Casein formaldehyde was commercialised under thetrade names Galalith and Erinoid.
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1998-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Material CA - cellulose acetate
Cellulose acetate (CA) is used fortransparent, translucent and opaqueobjects (e.g. typewriter keys, calculators,switches, car wheel coverings).
Furthermore, it is especially suitable forcoatings applications requiring highmelting-point, toughness, clarity, andgood resistance to ultraviolet light,chemicals, oils, and greases.
Cellulose acetate is an amorphousthermoplastic material belonging to thecellulosic resin family. It is obtained byintroducing the acetyl radical of aceticacid into cellulose (as cotton or woodfibres) to produce a tough plasticmaterial.
Danish Name CA - celluloseacetat
Category Biopolymers
Products Knife-handleShoe-heelLamp shadePenUmbrella handle
References Plast og gummi ståbi
Environmen-tal notes
Creation: Made from chemical modification ofcellulose, which is one of the most diffuse organicsubstances in nature.
Use: Cellulose acetate is inflammable and burns witha yellowish flame producing a smelling smoke.Additive are often used to decrease its inflammabilityand to give the material self-estinguishing properties.
AdditionalInfo
First plastic to be injection moulded.Cellulose acetate becomes brittle at temperatureunder the freezing point.It is an insulator material and shows only a littletendency to electrostatic charging.
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1998-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Material Horn
It is an organic material containing 80%keratin. It is thermoplastic and can beworked after dry heating or immersion inboiling water or alkaline solutions.
After softening it can be pressedobtaining objects and various laminas,such as tobacco containers, boxes,buttons, pens and combs. It wassuccessfully applied, especially inEngland, before the advent of plastics.
Danish Name Horn
Category Biopolymers
Environmen-tal notes
Creation: Horn is natural organic material.
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1998-2001 Torben LenauThis page is part of Design inSite
Aliphatic-aromatic copolymer
Return tomaterials description
Aliphatic polyesters
Return tomaterials description
CPLA - Polylactide aliphaticcopolymer
Return tomaterials description
PCL - Polycaprolactone
Return tomaterials description
PHAs - Polyhydroxyalkanoates
Return tomaterials description
PLA - Polylactide
Return tomaterials description
Starch-based biopolymers (5-10% starch)
Return tomaterials description
Starch-based biopolymers(40-80 % starch)
Return tomaterials description
Starch-based biopolymers (>90% starch)
Return tomaterials description
Foamed starch
Return tomaterials description
Casein formaldehyde
Return tomaterials description
CA - cellulose acetate
Return tomaterials description
Biopolymers are usuallyproduced from plants and areoften biodegradable.
Back
Products Compostable bag
This compostable lawn and leaf bag ismade of PLA.It is designed expressly for collecting yardwaste as part of municipal compostingprogrammes, and offers an alternative tokraft paper collection bags.
Like kraft paper lawn and leafs bags, thebiopolymer bags eliminate the need toseparate bags from their contents atcompost sites. Both degrade and are easyto print on.
Compared to paper bags advantages are:improved wet strength, better punctureresistance, visibility of content, ease ofhandling and closing, as well ascompactness which minimises storagerequirements.
Category Outdoor equipment
Materials PLA
Processes Blow moulding
References Cargill Dow Polymers LLC
Keywords BiopolymerBiodegradableCompostingTransparent
Price Competitive with the price of paper bags.
Environ-mentalnotes
Use: Bags designed only for degradation throughcomposting, and only for carrying leaves, grass etc.They should not be used for waste such as ashes etc.
Disposal: The bag biodegrades along with the leaves,grass and wood chips inside it to create a rich, organichumus that can be used as a soil nutrient.
Similarproducts
Pot for plants
Copyright © 1998 Torben Lenau
Process Blow moulding
Used for hollow parts of all sizes. A tube ofmolten plastics is extruded into an openmould.The mould closes and thereby the bottomof the part welds.
Hot air is blown into the tube and it is blown upuntil it fills out the mould cavity.
Parts can be produced in small and largequantities, since setup cost is low andtools/moulds are often made of aluminium andcheap.
DanishName
Blæsestøbning
Category Mass conserving processes, Plastic moulding
Materials PS ABS SAN PVC PC PE PP
Typicalproducts
Bottle for motor oilBottle for organic solventsTubing for a car
Competingprocesses
Injection blow moulding
References Dudek Plast A/SGravenhorst Plast A/SKornerup Plast Trading ApSRosti A/S
Pricenotes
Moulds can be produced at a relative low price. Setup times arelow.
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1997, 1998 Torben Lenau
Process Injection moulding
For parts of all sizes which require accurate andcomplex geometry.Granular plastic or pellets are melted by frictionwith a rotating screw and actual heating, and theninjected into the mould.
Normally, the process is reserved tothermoplastics, but it can be used for shapingfibre reinforced thermoplastics or thermosettings.
When shaping composites, parts with goodmechanical properties cannot be produced as thecontent of fibres must be limited.Production volumes are medium to large, and thecycle time per part is very short.
DanishName
Sprøjtestøbning
Category Mass conserving processes, Plastic injection moulding
Materials PlasticsComposites
Typicalproducts
Disposable drinking glassHedge cutterMilestoneRazor, biodegradableRazor, ordinaryShaver, rechargeableSpoon, clasp typeSatellite boxWashing machine drumGearHinge for gramophone lidVideo front-panel
Competingprocesses
ExtrusionGas assisted injection moulding
References A. Johnsen Industri A/SHelarcoJotun Danmark A/SMolytex A/S
Pricenotes
The injection machine and the shaping mould are veryexpensive.
Additionalinfo
Possible to achieve good dimensional accuracy and surfacefinish.
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Copyright © 1997, 1998 Torben Lenau
Process Extrusion
Profiles of all shapes can be produced. In anextruder the material is heated and continuoslypushed by a rotating screw through a die with theshape of the profile. After the die, the profile iscooled by air or water and cut into desiredlengths.
Production volumes are normally high.
DanishName
Ekstrudering
Category Mass conserving processes, 2d plastic processes
Materials Most plastics
Typicalproducts
Garden hoseTubesMetal sheet edge protectionRailingsIce cube plastic bagPotholder
Competingprocesses
Injection mouldingBlow mouldingPultrusionCalandering
References DKI Plast A/SVestfos Plast A/SGlim Plastic Industri ApS
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1997, 1998 Torben Lenau
Products Pot for plants
This pot for plants is made of aliphaticpolyesters (Bionolle®)
Its biodegradability allows the plant to beplanted in soil with no need to extract itfrom its pot.
Category Outdoor equipment
Materials Aliphatic polyesters
References Showa Highpolymer Co. Ltd.
Keywords BiopolymerBiodegradableOutdoorRenewable resources
Environ-mentalnotes
See aliphatic polyesters
Similarproducts
Compostable bag
Photo Showa Highpolymer Co. Ltd.
Copyright © 1998 Torben Lenau
Process Vacuum forming
Well suited for larger plastic parts since toolsinvestments are low. Also used for high volumeproduction of e.g. disposable cups and chocolatepackaging. The surface facing the mould has thebest quality. Material thickness is difficult tocontrol.
A sheet of thermoplastic material is heated to thesoftening point. The sheet is positioned over amould with small air canals, and a vacuum pullsthe sheet into the mould.
Vacuum is normally sufficient due to the lowstrength in the material being formed, but for amore complex geometry, additional air ormechanical pressure can be applied.
DanishName
Vacuum formning
Category Mass conserving processes, Plastic shaping
Materials Most thermoplastics e.g. ABS PC PP PS PE
Typicalproducts
Dolphin, bicycle trailer base partKimBox suitcaseAppliance housingDisposable cupsCommercial signShaped packagingRefrigerator inside panels
Competingprocesses
Rotation mouldingBlow mouldingInjection moulding
References Bramstoft & Wassmann ApSCretex A/SHelge Buch's Eftf. ApS
Pricenotes
Low tooling costs
Additionalinfo
Difficult to produce small details
Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)
Copyright © 1996, 97, 98 Torben Lenau
Products Razor, biodegradable
A double-bladed razor with replaceablehead. Handle and razor heads are made ofbiodegradable plastic.
DanishName
Barberhøvl, bionedbrydelig
Category Personal items, Personal care
Materials PHA (handle and razor head)Stainless steel (blades)PS and paper (packaging)
Processes Injection moulding (handle)Insert moulding (razor head)Packaging:ExtrusionVacuum forming
References Kay Razor
Keywords Personal accessoriesCutting functionShaveBiodegradablePlastic
Price Retail price, for 1 handle with 5 razor heads (9/95)DKK 30,-.
Environ-mentalnotes
Materials / Production: The plastic is made frmrenewable resources.Use / Transport: The razor it self does not use energy,but use require water, soap and energy for heatingwater.Disposal: putrification or inceneration.
Similarproducts
Razor, ordinaryShaver, rechargeable
Copyright © 1997, 1998 Torben Lenau
Products Shampoo bottle, biodegradable
This shampoo bottle is manufactured frombiodegradable PHBV plastic(commercially named BiopolTM).
The biodegradable shampoo bottle is thefirst major product to be produced usingthis material.
The closure is injection moulded and thebottle is blow moulded.
Category Personal items, Personal care
Materials PHBV
Processes Injection moulding (closure)Blow moulding (bottle)
References Monsanto CompanyWella
Keywords BottleBiodegradableBiopolymerPHBVBiopolTM
Price Approximately 4 DKK/bottle (retail, 1995)
Environ-mentalnotes
Creation: The plastic is made from renewableresources using traditional production methods.
Disposal: The bottle will degrade throughcomposting.
Similarproducts
Razor, biodegradable
Photo Monsanto Company
Copyright © 1998 Torben Lenau
Products Pen, biodegradable
This "green pen", with the exception ofthe ink refill, is made from the corn starchbased material Mater-Bi®.
It is very similar to an ordinary plasticpen, but degrades when disposed in acomposting site or in natural environment.
Category Dwelling & office appliances, office equipment
Materials Starch-based biopolymer (Mater-Bi®)
Processes Injection moulding
References Novamont S.p.A.Enpac
Keywords BiopolymerBiodegradablePenOffice equipment
Price Approximately 11 DKK (retail, 1997)
Environ-mentalnotes
Creation: The pen is made from renewable resourcesusing traditional production methods.
Disposal: The pen will disintegrate in about 12months after being disposed.
Copyright © 1998 Torben Lenau
Products Starch-based tube
This tube is made of corn starch, isenvironment-friendly and is designed todecompose in water.
The tube is a direct alternative toconventional spiral-wound tubepackaging, including flexible plastics andcorrugated paper.The product can also be made in a varietyof vibrant colours.
Category Dwelling & office appliances, office equipment
Materials Thermoplastic starch
References American Excelsior Company
Keywords BiopolymerBiodegradableStarchPackagingWater-soluble
Environ-mentalnotes
Creation: The tube is made from renewable resourcesusing traditional production methods.
Disposal: The tube is designed to dissolve in waterafter use.
Copyright © 1998 Torben Lenau
Products Loose-fill
This loose-fill for packaging industry ismade of foamed starch.
It offers numerous disposal alternativesand can be a good substitute ofCFCs-blown PS.
Category Packaging
Materials Foamed starch
Processes Water steam foaming
References National Starch & ChemicalAmerican Excelsior Company
Keywords BiopolymerBiodegradableStarchPackagingWater-soluble
Environ-mentalnotes
Creation: Made from renewable materials.Environment-friendly foaming process.
Disposal: See foamed starch.
Copyright © 1998 Torben Lenau
Products Disposable cup
The cup shown appears very similar tonormal PS disaposable cups, and diaplayssimilar characteristics as far as thermalinsulation and resistance to fluids areconcerned.
Category Food, Food equipment
Materials Foamed starch
Processes Water steam foamingPressing
References Biotec GbmH
Keywords BiopolymerBiodegradableStarchPackaging
Environ-mentalnotes
Creation: Made from renewable materials.Environment-friendly foaming process.
Disposal: Once disregarded, the cup will completelydecompose into useful compost.
Copyright © 1998 Torben Lenau
Products Button for clothes
This buttons are made of caseinformaldehyde.They show the different decorationpossibilities that this material can give.
Category Personal items, Clothes
Materials Casein formaldehyde
References Bottonificio Ontano
Keywords BiopolymerDecoration3D decorationClothes
Environ-mentalnotes
Creation: See casein formaldehyde.
Copyright © 1998 Torben Lenau
Products Gramophone box
The box housing this gramophone iscoated with a layer of caseinformaldehyde.
The antique gramophone from 1950shows how casein formaldehyde can givea beautiful surface appearance.
Category Dwelling & office appliances, Home electronics
Materials Casein formaldehyde
References Plastic museum
Keywords BiopolymerDecorationHome electroniocs
Environ-mentalnotes
Creation: See casein formaldehyde.
Copyright © 1998 Torben Lenau