Development of a Biodegradable/Compostable Dispersion Using BioPBS
December 16, 2022
The Mitsubishi Chemical Group (the MCG Group) hereby announces that it has developed a biodegradable /compostable dispersion solution using its plant-derived biodegradable/compostable polymer BioPBS™ in collaboration with Chukyo Yushi Co., Ltd. (Chukyo Yushi). The dispersion will be rolled out as a new grade for packaging materials of Chukyo Yushi's biodegradable/compostable dispersion RESEM bio. In addition, Rengo Co., Ltd. (Rengo) and Nihon Matai Co., Ltd. (Nihon Matai), a member of the Rengo Group, plan to market a packaging material using the dispersion as part of a lineup for the biodegradable/compostable packaging material brand REBIOS®.
BioPBS™, which has excellent low-temperature heat-sealing properties and flexibility as well as environmentally friendly, is being used for packaging materials for a wide range of products, including foods. dispersions—liquids in which oils or resins are evenly dispersed in water—are used as adhesives and coating agents. Uniform dispersion of BioPBS™ in water achieved by Chukyo Yushi's technology led to the development of a biodegradable/compostable dispersion for packaging materials that takes advantage of the excellent properties of the polymer.
As the demand for environmental friendliness increases, packaging materials in which plastic film is bonded to paper, used as the base material, are increasingly being used for foods and other products. Although a lamination process is required to bond plastic film to paper in general, switching to a dispersion coating makes it possible to shorten manufacturing lead time, make the plastic layer thinner, reduce costs and improve recyclability of paper. Development of the dispersion has realized a packaging material that not only offers these advantages but is also biodegradable/compostable.
The MCG Group is considering global expansion of the dispersion in the future and will promote business expansion of performance products in focus markets, such as foods and sustainability.
Reference
■ BioPBS™
BioPBS™ is a plant-derived biodegradable/compostable polymer developed by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, which owns the basic patent, and manufactured by PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd., which is a fifty-fifty joint venture of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited in Thailand. The polymer has minimal impact on the natural environment, as it is decomposed into water and carbon dioxide by microorganisms in nature. In addition, compared to other biodegradable/compostable polymers, it shows excellent performance such as low-temperature heat sealability and flexibility.
■ REBIOS®
REBIOS®, which is produced by Rengo Group, is a series of packages made from plant-derived and biodegradable /compostable cellophane and paper. Combining the cellophane and paper with biodegradable/compostable polymer allows for heat sealability, moisture-proof properties and other functions. These functions make it suitable for packages used in a wide range of applications, such as foods, daily necessities, clothing and sanitary materials. To produce packaging materials using the biodegradable/compostable dispersion, Rengo and Nihon Matai will apply the dispersion to paper and make bags. In the future, it is expected to be used as a packaging material for foods such as hamburgers and sandwiches.
Learn more about REBIOS® here: https://www.rengo.co.jp/english/news/2020/20_e_news_013.html
Image of food packaging material using biodegradable/compostable dispersion
As the demand for environmental friendliness increases, packaging materials in which plastic film is bonded to paper, used as the base material, are increasingly being used for foods and other products. Although a lamination process is required to bond plastic film to paper in general, switching to a dispersion coating makes it possible to shorten manufacturing lead time, make the plastic layer thinner, reduce costs and improve recyclability of paper. Development of the dispersion has realized a packaging material that not only offers these advantages but is also biodegradable/compostable.
The MCG Group is considering global expansion of the dispersion in the future and will promote business expansion of performance products in focus markets, such as foods and sustainability.
Reference
■ BioPBS™
BioPBS™ is a plant-derived biodegradable/compostable polymer developed by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, which owns the basic patent, and manufactured by PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd., which is a fifty-fifty joint venture of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited in Thailand. The polymer has minimal impact on the natural environment, as it is decomposed into water and carbon dioxide by microorganisms in nature. In addition, compared to other biodegradable/compostable polymers, it shows excellent performance such as low-temperature heat sealability and flexibility.
■ REBIOS®
REBIOS®, which is produced by Rengo Group, is a series of packages made from plant-derived and biodegradable /compostable cellophane and paper. Combining the cellophane and paper with biodegradable/compostable polymer allows for heat sealability, moisture-proof properties and other functions. These functions make it suitable for packages used in a wide range of applications, such as foods, daily necessities, clothing and sanitary materials. To produce packaging materials using the biodegradable/compostable dispersion, Rengo and Nihon Matai will apply the dispersion to paper and make bags. In the future, it is expected to be used as a packaging material for foods such as hamburgers and sandwiches.
Learn more about REBIOS® here: https://www.rengo.co.jp/english/news/2020/20_e_news_013.html
