Natur-Tec and NatureWorks Launch New Technology Platform for Performance Compostable Serviceware
Technology offers products that more cost effectively rival the performance of polystyrene and polypropylene
serviceware.
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 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.
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161018005492/en/
Figure 1 compares the stiffness of cutlery made from the new formulation with PS and PP cutlery. PS cutlery is
typically stiff but too brittle, while PP cutlery is typically strong yet too flexible. In contrast, the new Natur-Tec
formulation is both stiff and strong. (Graphic: Business Wire)
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. Test results indicated:
- PS cutlery is typically stiff but too brittle, while PP cutlery is typically strong yet too flexible.
In contrast, the new Natur-Tec formulation is both stiff and strong.
- The new formulation has higher toughness (requiring more energy to break) than both PS and PP.
- In heat resistance testing the force required to deform the new Ingeo-based formulation cutlery at
190° F (90° C) is more than PP but less than PS. At a maximum compression load of 200 grams (~ ½ lb.), however, the new
formulation exceeds the toughness requirements for most, if not all, serviceware applications.
- When a PS spoon and a new formulation spoon were compressed in hot water, the PS spoon showed
substantial deformation on handle and bowl while the Ingeo-based spoon held its pristine shape.
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.
![](http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&sty=20161018005492r1&sid=mstr1&distro=nx&lang=en)
NatureWorks
Americas & Europe
Steve Sterling, +1 952-935-0078
Email: steve@sterlingpr.net
or
Asia Pacific & Japan
Pauline Ning, Tel: +86-138 1650 1881
Email: pauline_ning@natureworkspla.com
or
Natur-Tec
Matthew Wolsfeld, +1 763-225-6600
Email: info@natur-tec.com
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161018005492/en/