TEXTILES.ORG
The nova-Institute has announced its six finalists for the Bio-based Material of the Year 2018 Innovation Award, which recognizes technologies in the bio-based chemicals and materials industry for suitable applications and new markets for their products.
The finalists are from six different countries and offer a range of innovations, including:
AIMPLAS (Spain): Bio-based and biodegradable nets for green beans
This material suitable for green beans packaging is said to be more than 80 percent bio-based and has similar linear weight and mechanical properties of conventional polyethylene nets. The material uses a compound developed through reactive extrusion. Chemical modification was made by grafting low molecular weight units, such as oleic alcohol, obtained by the fermentation of sugars extracted from vegetable waste. www.aimplas.es
Arctic Biomaterials Oy (Finland): Compostable PLA reinforced with glass fibre
ArcBioxTM BGF30-B1 is a polylactic acid (PLA) that is reinforced using glass fibres developed by Arctic Biomaterials Oy (ABM). The reinforced PLA is reported to be compostable and certified by the seedling mark from DIN CERTCO. www.abmcomposite.com
Borregaard (Norway): Exilva – commercially available cellulose fibril
Exilva is a three-dimensional network of cellulose fibrils designed to improve rheology and stability. The fibril’s flexible aggregates were developed to create ultra-high surface area and water retention capability while retaining their crystallinity throughout the production process. Exilva is said to also help control dry-out time, improve barriers and enhance uptake of active ingredients. www.exilva.com
Cardolite Corporation (Belgium): Cashew nutshell resin-based blocking agent
Cardolite recently developed NX-2026, a 3-pentadeca-dienyl-phenol distilled from cashew nutshell liquid. The company has introduced the product to the coating and adhesive markets as a nontoxic isocyanate blocking agent suitable for replacing petrochemical phenols. www.cardolite.com
Rhenoflex GmbH (Germany): Rx 35 – rice husk–filled, thermoplastic material for handicrafts, theatre
Rx 35 is reported to be a biodegradable, solvent-free, recyclable partly bio-based thermoplastic sheet material with rice husk filler. One side has smooth leather-like haptics. The other is laminated with a fine mesh. Rx 35 is malleable at 90 degrees Celsius and is applied to the fashion, toy production, model making and theatre industries. www.rhenoflex.de
Ohio Soybean Council, collaborating with Roof Revivers (USA): Roof Maxx – Soybean-based roof material sealer
Roof Maxx is a bio-based shingle sealer-rejuvenator that is spray-applied to asphalt-based roofing materials to extend their service life. The product’s chemical feedstock uses a chemical derived from soybeans. Roof Maxx is reported to contain no solvents, volatile organic compounds or toxic ingredients, meaning overspray may not be harmful to homeowners, sealant appliers, pets, plants, building materials or vehicles. www.roofmaxx.com
Three winners will be selected by the participants of the 11th International Conference on Bio-based Materials, May 15–16, 2018, in Cologne, Germany. Winners will be awarded a prize sponsored by InfraServ GmbH Knapsack.
The nova-Institut GmbH, based in Germany, is a private, independent European research institute that offers research and consultancy with a focus on bio-based and CO2-based economy in the fields of food and feedstock, techno-economic evaluation, markets, sustainability, dissemination, B2B communication and policy.