BASF offers new variants of compostable plastic Ecovio

20 May 2013


Germany-based chemicals company BASF has extended its compostable and partially bio-based Ecovio range of plastics with new grades suited to thermoforming and injection moulding.

BASF’s Ecovio T2308 grade exhibits similar mechanical properties to those of amorphous PET, and will now be available for the production of thermoformed trays and cups.

And the injection-moulding grade Ecovio IS1335 is suitable for thin-walled, complex and high-quality packaging, the company says.

 

Ecovio T2308 is said to differ from conventional amorphous PET by its compostability and its high content of renewable resources (polylactic acid), while its content of BASF’s compostable polyester Ecoflex renders the material “not too stiff or too brittle”.

As a result, the company says, thermoformed trays and cups are not damaged during transportation and storage, while the Ecoflex component also ensures a balanced stiffness-to-strength ratio and sufficient low-temperature impact strength.

“The processing window for Ecovio T, between 80°C and 120°C, is very broad in comparison to other plastics,” BASF says.

“Processing can be carried out on conventional flat-film installations and at the processing speeds that are typical for thermoforming.”

Ecovio T complies with the stipulations for products that come into contact with food. The material is translucent and “can be adequately sealed with cover films”.

 

Ecovio IS1335 exhibits moderate flowing characteristics and is dimensionally stable under heat up to 55°C.

According to the company, it can be processed using single-cavity or multi-cavity moulds that are equipped with or without hot runners, and can be decorated via in-mould labelling.

Based on research conducted “in cooperation with independent institutes”, BASF states that: “Depending on the application, injection-moulded products made of Ecovio IS1335 having wall thicknesses of as much as 1.1mm degrade in accordance with the EN 13432 standard for compostable packaging.”

 

Part of the BASF product portfolio since 2006, Ecovio is said to be completely compostable according to standard EN 13432 for biodegradable packaging, with its target market traditionally in the extrusion sector, for producing films that can then be further processed into bags as well as mulch film.



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