BIO-PLASTIC
The scientists and collaborators have been working since 1990 on the research and development of the highest quality bioplastic for a number of commercial and domestic uses. Bio-based polymers is an emerging and highly lucrative and financially rewarding arena. The current problems being caused by petrol based polymers / plastics, are sanitation and health worldwide, because of their non-biodegradability.
It is important to note that the current world plastic market has been estimated to be in excess of 1.6 trillion dollars per year. The growth of the bio-plastic industry has been estimated to be 8% to 10% per year with 1% of the market being US$500,000,000 annually, which is our initial production target, immediately after funding.
These feedstocks does not compete with the food market
The company’s germplasm includes
(A)-Oily Seeds
Camelina
Jatropha
Lesquerella
(B) Starches
Yams
Potatoes
Polylactic acid (PLA) can be synthesized from starch. However, the technology is largely with smaller companies. These smaller to medium size companies, have tremendous challenges due to fund raising limitations, as it has been for most agricultural processes and technology development and commercialization.
Therefore with proper levels of funding, we shall be able to complete the commercialization of this rather environmentally friendly and extremely lucrative technology.
Bio-Plastic
The company will also develop bio-resins, which will be natural alternatives to synthetic resins such as phenol and formaldehyde.
From end users like Toyota, Fujitstu, General Motors, it has been firmly demonstrated that plastics originating from biological substances are a viable alternative to those created from petroleum-based chemicals. Our scientific staff have expertise in protein and enzyme chemistry, with their development of important digestion enzymes essential for the production of bio-plastics.
Production of Bio-Plastic
We have also documented that, proprietary potatoes weighing individually between 100 to 150 grams yield 27 to 35 grams of starch as compares to the commercial varieties which have only 15.44 grams of starch per potato.
Further we have documented that it takes one and a half tons (1.5 tons) of our selected raw potato varieties, to produce one ton of starch (Plastic)
Types of Bio-Plastic
- Thermoplastics from Polylactic Acid (PLA)
- This comes from starchy plants like
- potatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet sorghum
- Some of the uses include drug capsules as well as other pharmaceutical uses.
- Thermoplastics rely on pure starches ability to absorb humidity.
Thermo Plastic from Starch
- Potato Starch (PSM) Plant Starch Material
- Tolerates heat up to 200 deg. F
- Some formulations are microwaveable
- Freezer safe
- Allergen free
- Degrades in 90-120 days in commercial compose facility.
- By-Product – Animal Feed and others.
Other types of Bioplastics
- Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate (PHB)
- This is plastic from wood products, fiber and lignin, wastes from sawmills
- Usages ( Bank Notes, Ropes; Automobile Parts; Aviation.
- Based upon the formulation and production technology, these are bio-degradable
- Polyamide II (PAII)
These are plastic derived from vegetable and other plant oils. The trade name is “RISLAN”. They are thermal resistant; used for fuel lines; brakes; electrical and auto cables; anti-termite sheaths.
- PGA plastic as a transparent film is an efficient oxygen barrier. Oxygen is what turns food brown and spoils it, and the PGA used to package food keeps the oxygen out of the package.
International Standards for Composability
- American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM6400-99)
- European Standardization Committee (CEN) (EN13432)
- International Standards Organization (ISO14855)
- German Institute for Standardization (DIN) (DIN VA 4900)
Bio-degradation-Composability
It is reported that the US Army is considering introducing bio-plastics to eliminate plastic based trash (source clean technical.com). Thus, the focus to reach out and capture some of these current and growing future green markets.
The product as currently noted, has niche markets such as packaging, food industries, car-interior fittings, computer casing, exterior car bodies, pipes, aviation, marine and numerous others.
Uses and Applications
One of the focuses of our corporate development and production activities will be on the automobile and aviation industry. As noted, earlier Toyota is moving ahead with research to develop highly heat resistant and shock bio-plastic.
Fire Retardant Technology
One of most important discoveries which we have through our JV partner in the UK is the ability to increase the degree of heat resistance of products – buildings, wood, and fabric to fire, thereby protecting it from destruction by fire.
Other Uses and Applications
The fire and heat resistant technology will be expanded for utility in architectural structures worldwide;
Other applications include but not limited to:
- General Packaging
- Food Industry
- Automobile
- Aviation
- Synthetic Fiber
- Medical devices
- Pipes and Tubing
- 3D Printing
The collaborators have completed product development. Both the products and technologies have been certified by the various fire laboratories in UK and Europe.