Materials
Tianan targets European food market with corn-based polymer
Tianan Biologic Materials Company is looking to take advantage of increasing demand for biopolymers with its corn-based PHBV (poly hydroxyl butyrate valerate).
In 2007, Tianan sold some 200 tonnes of PHBV and has already sold double that in the first seven months of 2008, particularly in European, US and Japanese markets.
The firm has also said that PHBV can be used in food contact products because it meets the requirements of the EU Plastics Directive.
The capacity of its site in Eastern China currently stands at 2,000 tonnes per annum (tpa), although the firm plans to expand to 10,000tpa.
The firm claims that PHBV is a more robust material than polylactic acid (PLA) and can withstand temperatures above 60°C.
Its price, however, is currently far higher at around £2,900 a tonne, but the Tianan hopes this will be reduced as capacity increases.
Further bioplastics capacity, such as Telles Mirel polymer, is due to come on line next year.
PHBV is part of the poly hydroxyl alkanoate (PHA) family of biodegradeable polymers.
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Comments
Ali Syme - 05 August 2008
It should also be said that this is a bacteria source rather than a food based source of bioplastic. However, in many cases of bio-polymer production and especially in areas like China, you cannot rely on larger capacity making for a lower cost price.
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