Speaker: Dr. Jens Balko

Company: Fraunhofer IAP Verarbeitungstechnikum für Biopolymere

Title: Packaging Solutions with Novel Bioplastics – Developments between Application Requirements and Given Material Properties

Language: German

Abstract: Plastic materials offer unique combinations of properties and are irreplaceable for all areas of our lives such as packaging. However, the annually increasing production volumes combined with the high durability of the materials also cause problems. On the one hand, there is the dependence on fossil raw materials. On the other hand, there are disposal problems and the unavoidable entry of macro- and microplastics into all areas of the environment.

A promising class of plastics, the so-called bioplastics, is currently beginning to establish itself on the plastics market to an increasing extent. They have processing properties that are comparable to those of classic petroleum-based plastics, and they are suitable for a large number of different uses, often items for everyday use. The most important bioplastic types are polylactid acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS). PLA is already established on the market, however for many applications in packaging and technical areas more flexible materials such as PBS are needed.

The presentation will cover current developments of a value chain of PBS from plant residues, solutions for the hurdles of a market entry for bioplastics and the qualification of PBS for additional demanding fields of application. Within a large eastern and central German consortium, solutions are being developed for building the value chain and for increasing the multiplicity of both properties and types of PBS materials. All individual process steps are coordinated with each other. Special focus will be placed on increasing the variety of types of PBS, as well as on qualifying the material for additional processing techniques and end-product applications that are not accessible today. Therefore, the market needs for different applications will be discussed as well as solutions for technical challenges with respect to the material properties of PBS.