
FKuR has added to its bioplastic compound portfolio (which includes the Bio-Flex, Biograde, Fibrolon and Terralene brands), with a comprehensive range of distribution products. The group will present the new biobased products at Interpack in May.
In addition to green PE (Bio-PE) from Braskem S.A., FKuR now also distributes Evonik‘s Vestamid Terra (Bio-PA) as well as Globio, a biobased PET.
“With such a broad product portfolio, our customers now have the ability to access a unique variety of materials from a single source.” said Patrick Zimmermann, Director Marketing & Sales at FKuR. Differentiation from competitors is one of the main motivators for using bioplastics. “The immense product variety nowadays makes it more difficult for the producer to attract the consumer’s attention. With our bioplastics we offer the possibility of communicating ‘uniqueness‘ using the packaging.“ said Zimmermann.
FKuR says that it’s bio products come with a host of specific functions. For instance, the group says that compostable bags and single-use catering items made from these materials can be disposed of together with food waste and organically recycled into valuable compost.
During Interpack, the group will also display the first production application for Bio-Flex F 6611, which has been converted to a new heat-resistant thermoformed food tray. This fully compostable tray has been produced by Plastisud in Italy.
FKuR says that the range of potential applications for compostable products includes bags, pouches, nets and similar food packaging products.
For durable, non-biodegradable products, FKuR offers bio-based products such as Bio PE, Bio PET and Bio PA. The group claims that as ‘drop-in’ solutions, they have the same characteristics as their fossil-based equivalents and can be widely used in the packaging industry.
Laminates of Bio PE with Bio PET or Bio PA can reportedly enhance the barrier properties of bioplastics and thus extend the shelf life for food products.