Showa Denko (SDK, Tokyo / Japan; www.sdk.co.jp) has started commercial production of its biodegradable polyester (PBS) resin “Bionolle” at its plant in Tatsuno / Japan. The Japanese group in mid-July announced that it had started providing film-grade samples of the product to select customers, including Natur-Tec (www.natur-tec.com), part of US bioplastics products manufacturer Northern Technologies International Corp (Circle Pines, Minnesota / USA; www.ntic.com).

Bionolle can be fully decomposed in water and carbon dioxide and is used in compost bags and mulch films. About 50% of the raw material that goes into the resin is bio-derived, and comes in the form of starches or sugars. SDK said its “Bionolle Starcla” grades, which contain a starch mix, even can achieve a 70% bio-based content.

The Japanese company said it plans in future to secure up to 10,000-20,000 t/y of bio-derived succinic acid allowing it to ramp up Bionolle output in Tatsuno. SDK had signed a supply agreement to that effect early this year with US biochemicals producer Myriant Corp (Quincy, Massachusetts; www.myriant.com) – see Plasteurope.com of 13.02.2012.