DuPont (Wilmington, DE) sees a clear route to helping the planet through the use of high-performance bioplastics for packaging and other end-use products including textiles and engineering plastics.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s no small task, yet one the company has both embraced and recorded notable milestones. For example, the company\u2019s breakthrough Bio-PDO compound turns a formerly chemical process into an eco-efficient biological one. DuPont\u2019s commitment to innovative biomaterials aims to revolutionize the materials\u2019 landscape, specifically in packaging. In March, the company\u2019s continued commitment to R&D in innovative biomaterial solutions earned it \u201cBio-based Materials Company of the Year\u201d recognition by research firm Frost & Sullivan.<\/p>\n
PlasticsToday caught up with DuPont\u2019s Michael Saltzberg, PhD, who is global business director of Biomaterials at DuPont Industrial Biosciences, in this Q&A.<\/p>\n
What can you say about DuPont’s emphasis on “performance-based innovation?”<\/p>\n
Saltzberg: Innovation in Biomaterials can take the form of process innovation to make the same product\/molecule in a more environmentally friendly way, or it can be the development of new materials with superior technical performance as compared to incumbent petro-based materials. We define \u201cperformance-based innovation\u201d as bringing both sorts of innovation\u2014better performing products made with more environmentally friendly processes and materials.<\/p>\n
Michael Saltzberg, global business director, Biomaterials at DuPont Industrial Biosciences<\/p>\n
Why are markets market ripe for biomaterial developments?<\/p>\n
Saltzberg: One of the \u201choly grails\u201d of plastic packaging has been a viable passive barrier solution that would allow the light-weighting of plastic packages and\/or expansion of plastic packaging into applications that currently require metal or glass packaging due to barrier requirements.<\/p>\n
We have found strong interest from both converters and brands in this new material, and are currently working under confidential Joint Development Agreements with key potential customers.<\/p>\n
What is \u201cSorona\u201d and how does that relate to Bio-PDO?<\/p>\n
Saltzberg: Bio-PDO is a molecule called 1,3 propanediol made using a proprietary DuPont fermentation process. Sorona is DuPont\u2019s brand name for a polymer made from Bio-PDO and terepthalic acid; the generic name for Sorona is triexta, which is used across applications for textiles and carpet.
\nLooking for packaging and plastic ideas that are sustainable and more? Come to Minneapolis November 8-9 during the 15th anniversary of MinnPack that\u2019s co-located with 5 other exhibitions including PLASTEC. For more information, visit the MinnPack website .<\/p>\n
Is Bio-PDO patented?<\/p>\n
Saltzberg: DuPont\u2019s process to make Bio-PDO is patented, but the molecule itself is not. Sorona is a polymer with a unique set of properties and attributes as compared to other polymers. In some applications, notably carpet, it competes directly with nylon. In other applications, Sorona competes with other synthetic and natural fibers.<\/p>\n
What is the source feedstock and how is it supplied to customers?<\/p>\n
Saltzberg: Bio-PDO is a liquid made from industrial dent corn sugar using a fermentation process. Sorona is made from Bio-PDO and terepthalic acid, which is in turn derived from petroleum. Sorona is typically supplied as polymer pellets that can be extruded into fibers, films and molded parts.<\/p>\n
DuPont-ADM logos<\/p>\n
What are the advantages of Sorona?<\/p>\n
Saltzberg: Sorona can be made into fiber with unique softness, stretch, and stain resistance<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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