Development of Biodegradable Thermoforming Materials
We are excited to announce that we have launched the development of the first naturally biodegradable plastic for thermoforming applications, in a project co-funded by the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK.
Noroqest Ltd, the R&D arm of the Rosiro Group, has been awarded a Smart Grant for the development of a fully biodegradable, thermoforming grade of Solinatra. The £500,000 grant has been awarded under the highly competitive Innovate UK Smart Grants programme, providing a significant percentage investment in the project.
The development of sheet extruded materials for thermoforming massively increases the scope of manufacturing applications for Solinatra, and heralds a new phase in the biomaterials sector. Solinatra is 100% natural, suitable for home and industrial composting and degrades with zero microplastics. Thermoforming grades of Solinatra will lead to the manufacturing of products usually made with polluting plastics, such as food trays, packaging and products for food, pharmaceuticals, beauty and cosmetics. The co-development of the extrusion grade will also lead to tube extrusion for products such as biodegradable drinking straws.
The project is one of many underway by the R&D team at Noroqest , as we develop a full suite of natural, compostable polymers to suit a range of manufacturing methods. Solinatra leads the way in the manufacture and supply of truly sustainable materials that mimic the positive characteristics of ‘traditional plastics’, including moulding capability, flexibility, durability, strength – as well as suitability for food contact packaging, or cosmetics or health care.
Injection moulding grades of material are on the market and available in grades made with unique attributes to suit food contact and non-food contact applications, including coffee capsules, cutlery, plant pots, bird feeders and much more. Solinatra innovative materials are designed to work in existing processing machinery, enabling a simple transition for manufacturers and brands.
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Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation. For more information visit www.innovateuk.ukri.org