Biotec Biologische Naturverpackungen (Emmerich / Germany; www.biotec.de) has expanded its product portfolio by adding the new thermoplastic bioplastic “Bioplast 200”. The 100% biodegradable plastic can be extruded as blow-extrusion film, flat sheet film and profiles, and can also be injection moulded. In addition, when flexo- or offset printed, the material does not require pre-treatment before printing. Contrary to thermoplastic starch (TPS), the potato starch used in “Bioplast 200” does not contain any plasticisers and enters the material in its pure, natural form.

By categorically rejecting the inclusion of any genetically modified feedstocks, Biotec claims it has developed a material whose properties meet the increasingly stringent demands of consumers. “Bioplast 200” is registered as a biologically degradable material with Vinçotte (Nr. O 10-406-A) according to EN 13432 standards. Depending on the thickness of the layers the products manufactured from “Bioplast 200” are therefore compostable. Its resistance against oils, fats and water allows for a wide range of applications, Biotec says, including food applications.

Biotec has been developing and manufacturing biocompounds and blends based on thermoplastic materials made of natural feedstocks under the brand name Bioplast since 1992. Originally founded as a research and development unit, the German company is a subsidiary of France’s SPhere Group (www.sphere.eu) and the UK’s Biome Technologies (Southampton; www.biometechnologiesplc.com).

Meanwhile, Biotec’s European patent quarrel regarding biologically degradable materials with competitor Novamont (Novara / Italy; www.novamont.com) remains unresolved – see Plasteurope.com of 20.05.2010.