Chroma Corporation develops biodegradable masterbatches for PP and PE resin

Published: 30-Jun-2010

New technology enables processors to reduce PP and PE resin waste


Chroma Corporation has launched a new line of biodegradable masterbatches claimed to allow processors to convert standard polypropylene and polyethylene biodegradable.

The new technology, which is FDA sanctioned and RoHS directive compliant, initiates a natural process in PP and PE that returns the plastic back to nature.

“The advantage of the new concentrate is that of processors of typical PP and PE resin can now offer biodegradable products,” said Stuart Swain, Chroma director or sales and marketing. “The shelf life of a product can be controlled by the amount of concentrate they use. This product allows plastics that have the biodegradable additive to be recycled without causing damage to the recycled resin system, which the PLA resins can cause.”

The concentrate is designed to lower the molecular weight of the polymer compounds to allow quicker oxidative bonding, according to Chroma. Furthermore the company says naturally occurring elements such as sunlight or heat and oxygen initiate the oxidative degradation of high polymer weight chains to low polymer weight compounds that can be further aerobically degraded in the natural environment to product water, carbon dioxide and biomass.

The technology is said to work well in both conventional and high-speed thin wall injection moulding, sheet extrusion, blow moulding and blown film.

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