The growing interest in sustainable raw materials and recyclables was evident amongst the attendees of the recent SusPolyurethane Conference organised by Crain Communications in Amsterdam.

Biobased/sustainable polyols from a variety of different routes were the focal point of the two-day conference. Whilst there was a clear interest in developments in sectors such as bio-based polyols and biosuccinic acid, there remained a certain element of skepticism amongst the audience as to how far some of the innovations would be taken up by the polyurethane industry in view of the costs involved.  Some delegates noted that demand for renewables and recycling of PU Foam from mattresses, etc. would be driven principally by governmental and industry wide regulations, which put an emphasis on the concept of the circular economy.  However, some processes were claimed by producers to be competitive against conventionally produced raw materials, and some even boasted additional properties.  Continue reading →

Bio-based packaging companies push focus on green deficit, aiming to overshadow cost and price issues.

Organised by Bioplastics Magazine, Tecnon OrbiChem attended the first of three half-day   of Bioplastics Business Breakfast sessions at K2016, where 10-12 presenters from producing companies, research and academic institutions gave papers on issues concerning the market for ‘Bioplastics in Packaging’.

Sessions for the following days were:
• PLA, an Innovative Bioplastic, and
• Bioplastics in Durable Applications

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