Extrusion International USA 2-2021

31 Extrusion International 2/2021 „ Avient Corporation announced the launch of Rejoin™ PCR Masterbatch for polyolefin packaging applications. Made with post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyolefin as a carrier res- in, Rejoin PCR Masterbatch can enable a bottle or part to be manufactured from 100 percent PCR. Until now, masterbatch has generally been made using virgin material as a carrier resin. This means that at typical let-down ratios, the finished product would contain 3 to 5 percent non-recycled plastic. With major consumer goods companies actively defining sustainability goals of 100 percent PCR poly- olefin packaging, Avient has responded by developing Rejoin PCR Masterbatch in customizable colors and special effects. “We understand that many consider the use of colorants and additives that rely on virgin resin carriers to nullify the claim of 100 percent PCR, so we worked to develop a solution that could help our customers deliver fully on their sustainability commitments,” said Bob Lee, marketing director, Color & Ad- ditives Asia at Avient. “This leading-edge product answers a growing industry need and demand.” Rejoin PCR Masterbatch combines pigments and functional additives into a single solution without negatively affecting color or mechanical properties. It can be added during produc- tion using standard equipment with little to no impact on pro- cessing, and allows for full recyclability of the end product. New Masterbatch Makes 100 Percent PCR a Reality for Polyolefin Packaging Avient, North America Michelle Maniscalco, michelle.maniscalco@avient.com New Rejoin™PCRMasterbatch can be used for polyole fi n packaging in a range of customizable colors and special effects (Photo Avient) „ Novomer Inc., a sustainable materials company pioneering a family of high-performance polymers and other chemicals from renewable feedstocks, has announced the successful demonstration of the industry’s lowest-cost polymerization process to make compostable polymers that satisfy brand owner requirements for circular economy solutions. The compostable polymer, tradenamed RinnovoTM, will use No- vomer’s highly efficient catalyst technology to manufacture world-scale production quantities. The compostable material – now proven at demonstration scale – is being manufactured in sample quantities at No- vomer’s Innovation Center in Rochester, N.Y. The successful demonstration of the technology will enable Novomer to begin the design and engineering of a commercial facility, allowing Novomer to commence construction of an intended 80,000-tonne facility in 2022. “As a company focused on scalable materials for the cir- cular economy, Novomer has committed significant re- sources towards its mission to cost effectively address the plastic waste challenge,” said Novomer CEO Jeff Uhrig. “Further, the seemingly unstoppable rise in ocean plastic waste and microplastics will require a portfolio of solu- tions to confront a wide variety of regional, techno-eco- nomic, and socio-economic challenges. We are beyond excited that our technology can lower the cost barrier to implement changes needed in the plastic waste manage- ment infrastructure.” Rinnovo is a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer that is synthesized using proprietary and highly selective catalysts, enabling scale and cost advantages over incumbent routes to compostable polymers. It is produced via Novomer’s pat- ented COEthTM technology which is designed to convert eth- ylene oxide and carbon monoxide to produce lactones. The demonstration plant utilizes a low-cost initiator to facilitate ring opening polymerization. Under the conditions of chain propagation, Novomer has achieved molecular weights re- quired for commercial applications. “Brand owners need assurances that compostable solutions can be cost effective and scaled,” said Uhrig. “This is an excit- ing first step to begin the process of product performance validation and application development.” Rinnovo has been tested and meets the requirements of ASTMD6400, the U.S. standard specification for compostable plastics, along with the European Union’s EN13432 directive for compostable and biodegradable packaging. Rinnovo is flexible and provides over 500% elongation for the produc- tion of blown film while also offering higher tensile strength than polyethylene (PE). Novomer sees broad use for Rinnovo compostable polymers in a range of applications including bags, labeling, agricultural films, and waste packaging. Breakthrough Development in Low-Cost Compostable Polymers Announced Novomer, Inc. www.novomer.com