Global chemical company BASF has announced the addition of two new variants, ecovio T2308 and ecovio IS1335 to its range of the compostable and partially bio-based plastic ecovio.
The ecovio T2308, which is currently available for the processing method of thermoforming, is used to manufacture thermoforming trays and cups.
According to BASF, the plastic grade exhibits similar mechanical properties to those of amorphous PET, but, by virtue of its compostability and high content of renewable resources (polylactic acid), it differs from conventional thermoforming material.
The processing window for ecovio T, between 80°C and 120°C, is broad in comparison to other plastics, and processing can be carried out on conventional flat-film installations and at the processing speeds that are typical for thermoforming.
The translucent material can be sealed with cover films and also complies with the stipulations for products that come into contact with food.
BASF's injection-molding grade ecovio IS1335 also offers good stiffness and can be processed using single-cavity or multi-cavity molds that are equipped with or without hot runners.
The grade exhibits moderate flowing characteristics and is stable under heat up to 55°C. It lends itself for thin-walled, complex packaging, which should be manufactured by injection molding preferably and should be compostable.
Experiments conducted by BASF reveal that injection-molded products made of this material having wall thicknesses of as much as 1.1mm degrade in accordance with the EN 13432 standard for compostable packaging, depending on the application.
Both of the grades are now available in commercial quantities and consist of renewable raw materials. They are said to lend themselves well for being dyed.
BASF's ecovio plastic has a high content of renewable raw materials and is used to produce tear-resistant bags, mulch films, coated paper, trays and cups.
