CIRCLE PINES and MINNETONKA, Minn., Oct. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Natur-Tec, a business unit of Northern Technologies International Corporation (Nasdaq:NTIC), and NatureWorks introduced today a jointly developed technology platform that lowers the cost of compostable serviceware while increasing its performance. The new technology platform – formulations which are based on low carbon footprint Ingeo™ biopolymer – produces heat resistant serviceware with rigidity approaching that of injection molded polystyrene and higher toughness than either polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS) cutlery.

Compostable cutlery made using the new formulation was benchmarked against standard PS and PP cutlery sold in the market using practical tests designed to mimic the actual conditions of cutlery in use. These tests compared three parameters: rigidity, toughness (the amount of energy required to make the implements break), and heat resistance.

Charts accompanying this release are available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9ba784da-bd9a-4e68-9139-0ed1c9ddb709

For injection molders, the new technology platform also addresses a processing issue common to prior compostable cutlery products – warpage of the cutlery during cooling and crystallization, which can reduce overall yield and so increase the per-piece cost. “Following field trials, injection molders relayed to us that scrap from finished part warpage and inconsistency in material flow, which could be up to 20 percent, is now minimal, and less than 5 percent, when our new technology platform is used,” said Vineet Dalal, Vice President and Director of Global Market Development for Natur-Tec.

Natur-Tec and NatureWorks collaborated on development for more than a year and will jointly market the technology as a two-part resin platform that combines in one package (named BF3002HT) a nucleated impact modified Ingeo-based masterbatch with one of NatureWorks latest Ingeo performance grades. The two-part Ingeo-based platform helps retain polymer properties and so provides better mechanical performance as compared to filled-PLA compounds. Natur-Tec will lead BF3002HT sales and marketing efforts. The new technology platform is fully approved for food contact and is now in final testing for compostability certification.

Natur-Tec will also manufacture serviceware for companies interested in test marketing cutlery before beginning in-house injection molding. Natur-Tec personnel are available to work with customers on applications other than serviceware, as this new technology platform can be tailored to many different types of compostable injection molded products, including disposable coffee filter cups and agricultural trellis clips, and non-food contact applications.

For technical and commercial information from Natur-Tec, email info@natur-tec.com, call +1 763 404 8700, or visit www.natur-tec.com/bf3002ht. Samples of the BF3002HT Ingeo-based formulation are immediately available from Natur-Tec. For more information on NatureWorks and Ingeo, visit www.natureworksllc.com. Follow NatureWorks on Twitter (@natureworks) for the latest updates.

About Northern Technologies International Corporation

Northern Technologies International Corporation develops and markets proprietary environmentally beneficial products and technical services either directly or via a network of subsidiaries, joint ventures, and independent distributors in over 50 countries. NTIC’s Natur-Tec® branded products are engineered using proprietary blends of biodegradable polymers and natural materials to create biobased (renewable resource based) and certified compostable plastics. The broad Natur-Tec bioplastics portfolio spans flexible film, foam, rigid injection molded materials, and engineered plastics. By using Natur-Tec products as an alternative to conventional plastics, industry and consumers reduce their carbon footprint and move towards a zero carbon or carbon neutral footprint. It also provides for environmentally responsible and sustainable end-of-life solutions. For more information on Natur-Tec and Northern Technologies International Corporation, visit www.natur-tec.com.

About NatureWorks

NatureWorks LLC is a company dedicated to meeting the world’s needs today without compromising the earth’s ability to meet the needs of tomorrow. Today, NatureWorks is a world leading biopolymers supplier and innovator with its Ingeo portfolio of naturally advanced materials made from renewable, abundant feedstocks with performance and economics that compete with oil-based intermediates, plastics, and fibers, and provide brand owners new cradle-to-cradle options after the use of their products. NatureWorks is jointly owned by Thailand’s largest chemical producer, PTT Global Chemical, and Cargill, which provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services to the world. For general information on NatureWorks and Ingeo, visit www.natureworksllc.com

and
Woolworths launches first plant-based milk bottle

BRAND ACTIVITY

Issued by Woolworths - Yesterday, 16:47
Woolworths has announced the launch of an innovative green milk bottle consisting of 30% plant-based plastic, a first for the dairy industry in South Africa. The entire Woolworths fresh milk range will now be packaged in the new plant-based bottles, giving consumers the opportunity to enjoy milk today with tomorrow in mind.

This latest milestone on the Woolworths Good Business Journey has been made possible through innovations in polymer production by Braskem, one of the world’s largest biopolymer producers, based in Brazil. World leaders in the production of bio fuel from sugar cane, Brazil is now also leading the way in the production of bio-based plastic. How? By replacing non-renewable fossil-based polymers with a plant-based alternative. Following the same plastic production process, the plant-based polyethylene is chemically and structurally exactly the same as conventional polyethylene. Due to this, it provides exactly the same quality, protection when used in food packaging, and can be seamlessly mixed with a regular fossil-fuel alternative. This means our new bottle remains 100% recyclable.

“As a leader in innovations that lead to greater sustainability, Woolworths is constantly exploring and considering emerging technologies that will help to reduce our carbon footprint, especially when it comes to packaging,” says Justin Smith, the Woolworths Group Head of Sustainability. “However, the launch of our green milk bottle is more than just improving packaging -by bringing this innovation to South Africa, Woolworths is also providing vital support to a developing industry that is replacing the non-renewable fossil feedstock in regular plastic production with a renewable plant-based alternative. This has the potential to transform plastic from a material that is currently causing climate change to one that helps mitigate it.”


We are very reliant on plastic, especially when it comes to packaging. However, sheer volumes and disposability result in plastic being a major environmental concern. There are many efforts focused on finding alternative, environmentally-friendly materials or plastic recycling innovations. But this is not the limit of where our efforts should rest. Braskem is distinguishing itself as a forerunner in determining the ways to produce more environmentally-friendly plastics because they are plant-based.

Irrigated largely by rainfall and capturing carbon from the atmosphere as it grows, Brazil’s current sugar cane production utilised by Braskem represents just 0.02% of the country’s arable land and is widely regarded as highly efficient and environmentally-friendly.

“We’ve looked at this holistically, and we are very pleased to be able to offer customers the full range of Woolworths’ fresh milk packaged in green bottles that are kinder to the planet and help us move towards a more sustainable future together,” concludes Smith.

For more info: http://www.woolworths.co.za