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Kunststoffe-international.com, April 13, 2010
Researchers have developed a new material based on PLA and hydroxylapatite for production of interference screws. The screws degrade biologically without leaving any holes in bones.
A torn ligament in the knee frequently requires an operation to restore stability to the joint. In the course of this operation, the physician replaces the ligament with a piece of tendon from the leg and secures it to the bone with a so-called interference screw. Until now, such screws have been fabricated from titanium - with the drawback that a second operation is required to remove it. Sometimes, biodegradable screws made from polylactic acid (PLA) are used. However holes occasionally remain in the bone after the screw has degraded.
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute Manufacturing Technology and Applied Materials Research (IFAM) in Bremen have now developed interference screws that promote growth of bone in the implant and, depending on the formulation, degrade themselves within 24 months. The compressive strength of the material exceeds 130 N/mm². For comparison, real bone has a compressive strength between 130 and 180 N/mm².
The screws consist of an injection moldable formulation of PLA and hydroxylapatite. This mineral accounts for approximately 40% of the material in bone. In the medical field, it is used as a bone replacement or bioactive coating on titanium implants to improve bone growth. The newly developed composite contains a high percentage of hydroxylapatite and can be processed with excellent results in pellet form by means of injection molding. Complex geometries can be produced without the need for post-molding finishing operations. Moreover, the injection molding process has a beneficial side effect. Normally, the powder injection molded part must be densified after molding at very high temperatures of up to 1400°C. In contrast, the new composite material can be processed at 140°C.
Contact
Fraunhofer-Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Angewandte Materialforschung
Wiener Straße 12
28359 Bremen
Tel.: +49 421 2246-0
Fax: +49 421 2246-300
www.ifam.fraunhofer.de
Author
Dr.-Ing. Harald Sambale
sambale@kunststoffe.de
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Biodegradable/bioabsorbable Interference Screws
Monday, November 23, 2009
KAIST/LG Chem Improve Bio-Plastics Process
New process cuts cost and complexity for biodegradable plastics.
By Levi Beckerson, DailyTech, Nov. 23, 2009
Polylactic Acid doesn’t sound like a friendly neighborhood chap, but it is in fact a common plastic. Not only is it biodegradable, it can be made from renewable resources like sugarcane and corn starch. The current common technique for producing PLA is both expensive and complex, involving bacterial fermentation and then chemical polymerization.
A collaboration between KAIST University (Korea) and LG Chem, led by professor Sang Yup Lee, has developed a new process which produces PLA using the same resources. The process is a one-step direct fermentation, but it utilizes a slightly unsavory, though common bacterial component: E. coli.
“By developing a strategy which combines metabolic engineering and enzyme engineering, we've developed an efficient bio-based one-step production process for PLA and its copolymers. This means that a developed E. coli strain is now capable of efficiently producing unnatural polymers, through a one-step fermentation process,” explains Lee.
“The polyesters and other polymers we use everyday are mostly derived from fossil oils made through the refinery or chemical process. The idea of producing polymers from renewable biomass has attracted much attention due to the increasing concerns of environmental problems and the limited nature of fossil resources. PLA is considered a good alternative to petroleum based plastics as it is both biodegradable and has a low toxicity to humans.”
Though the use of E. coli in the process seems at first unsettling, the benefits of such a process are readily apparent. Reduced production cost would allow for greater use of PLA in plastic products, possible reducing or even replacing the need for many of the non-biodegradable, petroleum-based products presently in use. Though it may indeed be a small step, Lee’s team’s research adds another bio-friendly product to a stack of growing “greener” products and resources.
The research work is published in the 50th anniversary of the journal Biotechnology and Bioengineering.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
PrimeWare Introduces New Product to Industry!
by Lauren Koch, PrimeWare Press Release, June 6, 2009
Azusa, Ca – PrimeWare has just recently introduced its newest product, PLA (polylactic acid) lined hinged lid containers. PrimeWare’s addition of PLA lining to bagasse hinged lid containers is the first of its kind on the market. PLA lining is so revolutionary because it puts to rest many people’s issues with extremely hot foods or heavy sauces in bagasse containers. The PLA lining on bagasse creates not only a complete moisture barrier, but also a total grease barrier.
PrimeWare’s sales manager Sarah Kritscher says, “We have had great feedback about our new PLA-lined containers which were introduced at the National Restaurant Show...
Numerous large distributors and restaurants came to see the introduction of this new product and were impressed. Many of the companies placing hot food in bagasse containers have previously received complaints from customers who bring their food home to find soft containers with moisture on the bottom. The PLA-lining keeps all of the Eco-Friendly components while adding an extra layer for strength and protection, virtually eliminating all prior issues. Bagasse is an affordable alternative to Styrofoam and has now become an option for basically all type of food, hot or cold.”
Regular “plastic-looking” PLA containers don’t hold up well to heat. The PLA lining on a bagasse container is much more heat resistant because the PLA sheet is very thin and is, in essence, “melted” onto the container. The PLA lining is made from cornstarch, which is biodegradable and compostable, keeping the Eco-Friendly properties of PrimeWare's entire line.
The rest of PrimeWare's line includes: "un-lined" hinged lid containers, plates, bowls, platters, trays, cup carriers, and utility trays.
The video posted here is an example of a restaurant, "The Lunchbox" in Knoxville, TN, who has chosen to "go green". The video shows why they made the decision and the advantages they see of using "green" tableware over Styrofoam. Check out the article here.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Foodservice packaging leaders Wilkinson Industries and Dispoz-o Products announce merger
Press Release, May 5, 2009
Ft. Calhoun, NE and Fountain Inn, SC (May 5, 2009) Wilkinson Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of foodservice containers and Dispoz-o Products, Inc., an innovative producer of premium disposable plastic cutlery, drinking straws, meal and dietary kits have merged, effective April 30, 2009.
The announcement was made by privately-held Mid Oaks Investments LLC, Buffalo Grove, IL. The company has invested in the food packaging industry for almost 20 years and has owned Wilkinson since 2004. Mid Oaks purchased Dispoz-o for an undisclosed amount.
“By bringing these two industry leaders together, the new company will be in a unique position to serve its customers through a wider product offering,” said Wayne Kocourek, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), Mid Oaks. “We are excited to add Dispoz-o to our portfolio.”
Gregory Jehlik, who has been Wilkinson’s president and CEO since 2007, also has been given the same responsibilities for Dispoz-o.
“Both Wilkinson and Dispoz-o have differentiated themselves as niche manufacturers, who have withstood the test of time. Collectively, the companies have more than 100 years of industry experience. Both have been driven by innovation and, more recently, a commitment to manufacturing sustainable products,” Jehlik said.
Going forward, the new company will serve the foodservice/restaurant, grocery, food processor, educational, institutional and healthcare markets through one million square feet of manufacturing and distribution space located in Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas and California.
Production capabilities include injection molding, thermoforming, extrusion, aluminum stamping, printing and kit packaging. The merged companies collectively employ approximately 1,000 people and operate 110 production lines.
Peter Iacovelli, who founded Dispoz-o as an innovative supplier in 1963, is retiring and Joseph Lancia, Dispoz-o’s former CEO, who led the company to a doubling of its size during the last six years, remains in a consulting capacity.
“From bringing the first Swanson® TV dinner tray to the marketplace in 1953, to pushing the envelope on sustainable offerings in 2009, Wilkinson has always prided itself in taking a leadership position. By merging with Dispoz-o, we will now be able to extend our product line more broadly than ever before. This means we will be able to provide an even higher level of service and innovation for our collective customers,” Jehlik said.
“The Dispoz-o team couldn’t be more pleased to be joining forces with another innovative, service-oriented company. Dispoz-o’s customers will now have an opportunity to be better served by a wider array of products,” Lancia said.
About Mid Oaks Investments LLC
Founded in 1986, Mid Oaks, Buffalo Grove, IL, is a private firm whose principals have substantial experience in financial, operating and general management. The company invests its own capital and focuses on acquiring equity positions in established businesses with strong growth potential. For more information: www.midoaks.com.
About Dispoz-o Products, Inc.
Dispoz-o Products, Fountain Inn, SC is a customer-focused, quality-driven manufacturer of premium disposable plastic cutlery, drinking straws, meal and dietary kits serving the foodservice/restaurant, grocery, processor, education, healthcare and other industries. Marketed under its Enviroware™ brand, Dispoz-o was one of the first U.S. companies to introduce environmentally-friendly cutlery, foam products, straws and kits. Dispoz-o was founded in 1963. For more information: www.dispozo.com.
About Wilkinson Industries, Inc.
Wilkinson Industries, Fort Calhoun, NE has been a leader in foodservice/restaurant, grocery and food processor packaging for more than 50 years. The company manufactures in excess of 450 packaging containers made from a variety of materials including aluminum foil, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and oriented polystyrene (OPS). Wilkinson also has taken a leadership position in the manufacturing of sustainable packaging by creating products from 100% renewable resources such as corn starch-based polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer. For more information: www.wilkinsonindustries.com.
Monday, August 7, 2006
Cereplast, Inc., MeadWestvaco Corp. and Solo Cup Company Announce Successful Development of Degradable Paper Coating
Press Release, August 7, 2006
HAWTHORNE, Calif & RICHMOND, Va. & HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. -- Cereplast, Inc. (OTCBB:CERP), producer of proprietary bio-based resins, global packaging company MeadWestvaco Corporation (NYSE:MWV), and Solo Cup Company today announced that MeadWestvaco is completing development of a fully renewable and biodegradable (or compostable) extrusion-coated paperboard product made with Cereplast resins that Solo can manufacture into cups.
This groundbreaking application will address customer interest in compostable foodservice products that are made from renewable resources. Until now, the plastic coating for laminated paper and foodservice packaging has been produced from petroleum-based resins. The Cereplast coating, with a heat resistance of 220 degrees Fahrenheit, will be used to replace petroleum-based coatings in MeadWestvaco's laminated paper products manufactured for Solo. With this breakthrough, Solo will be able to produce cups and other paper goods made from renewable resources that are suitable for composting in an industrial facility. Initial targets include the growing number of cafeterias and foodservice operations that divert their organic wastes to composting facilities.
The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) has granted MeadWestvaco and Cereplast the first-ever use of its logo for coated paperboard (including corrugated cardboard) with thicknesses of 4.6 pt to 32 pt. Products bearing the BPI logo meet ASTM D6868 and are designed to biodegrade quickly, completely and safely, without leaving any plastic residue in commercial and municipal composting facilities.
Cereplast resins are formulated from a patented and proprietary manufacturing process that incorporates starch and other degradable components, including poly lactic acid (PLA) from NatureWorks, LLC. Cereplast resins can be substituted for petroleum-based resins in a wide variety of processes, including injection molding, extrusion and thermoforming.
"MeadWestvaco and Solo's perseverance in working with us to achieve this milestone clearly demonstrates their commitment to extending the renewability of their paper products to coatings, creating a fully degradable option for paper foodservice and packaging solutions," said Frederic Scheer, President and CEO of Cereplast.
Added Kevin Fortney, Business Manager -- Foodservice, MeadWestvaco, "Cereplast's resins offer a flexible, practical solution to demand for renewable and degradable paper-coatings. Working together, we are creating a product that will have a wide range of applications. We are especially gratified that this is the first such product to receive certification by the BPI."
Noted Bob Korzenski, President and Chief Operating Officer, Solo Cup Company, "Solo has a history of solving problems for its customers and consumers through innovation in disposable foodservice products, materials and processes. We are excited to contribute our expertise in developing and manufacturing environmentally friendly products to our work with MeadWestvaco and Cereplast."
About Cereplast, Inc.
Cereplast, Inc. (OTCBB:CERP) designs and manufactures proprietary starch-based, renewable plastics. Cereplast has developed a breakthrough technology to produce proprietary bio-based resins, which are used as substitutes for petroleum-based plastics, offering price stability and competitive costs compared to traditional resins. Cereplast resins can be used in all major converting process such as injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding and extrusions. Made from renewable resources such as corn and potato starch, Cereplast resins are certified biodegradable and compostable by BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) and have comparable or superior performance characteristics to conventional plastics and return to nature quickly and safely. Learn more at: http://www.cereplast.com
About MeadWestvaco Corporation
MeadWestvaco is a global packaging company that delivers high-value packaging solutions and products to the world's most recognized companies in the food and beverage, media and entertainment, personal care, cosmetic and healthcare industries. The company also has market-leading positions in its Consumer & Office Products, Specialty Chemicals and Specialty Papers businesses. MeadWestvaco, with operations in more than 29 countries, has been selected for the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, and manages all of its forestlands in accordance with internationally recognized forest certification standards. For more information, please visit www.meadwestvaco.com.
About Solo Cup Company
Solo Cup Company is a $2.4 billion company exclusively focused on the manufacture of disposable foodservice products for the consumer/retail, foodservice, packaging and international markets. Solo Cup has broad expertise in paper, plastic and foam disposables and creates brand name products under the Solo, Sweetheart, Fonda and Hoffmaster names. The Company was established in 1936 and has a global presence with facilities in Asia, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Panama and the United States. To learn more about the Company, visit www.solocup.com.
About Biodegradable Products Institute
BPI is a multi-stakeholder group, involving people and organizations that produce, use or recover biodegradable plastic products. It promotes the growth of biodegradable plastics through education, use of scientifically-based standards and cooperative efforts with organizations in Europe and Asia. To learn more, visit the BPI website at www.bpiworld.org.
Safe Harbor Statement
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently, and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company.
