Perturbateurs endocriniens : la France a finalement voté pour les critères de définition
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Perturbateurs endocriniens : la France a finalement voté
pour les critères de définition
Les Etats membres ont finalement voté pour la proposition de la Commission européenne sur
les critères scientifiques d'identification des perturbateurs endocriniens dans les pesticides. La
France a appuyé cette version contestée par les associations.
04 juillet 2017 | Dorothée Laperche
© Yen-yu Shih
Les représentants des Etats membres ont finalement voté en faveur de la proposition de la
Commission européenne sur les critères scientifiques pour identifier les perturbateurs
endocriniens dans les produits phytopharmaceutiques. Après de multiples révisions de la
copie de la Commission et de report de vote, une version contestée par les associations
environnementales a finalement emporté l'adhésion des Etats membres. Et la France n'est pas
étrangère à ce revirement. "Les Suédois, les Danois, les Tchèques ont voté contre, la position
de la France a fait basculer la décision, le vote étant pondéré par le nombre d'habitants",
souligne François Veillerette, directeur et porte-parole de Générations futures. Jusqu'à présent,
la France s'était toujours positionnée contre la proposition de la Commission estimant que ces
critères n'intégreraient que trop peu de molécules.
Les Suédois, les Danois, les Tchèques ont voté contre, la position de la France a fait basculer
la décision, le vote étant pondéré par le nombre d'habitants
François Veillerette, Générations futures
Parmi les points inacceptables selon les associations : le fait que ne sont pas considérées
comme perturbateurs endocriniens, les substances dont le mode d'action est de perturber le
système endocrinien des organismes, lorsque cet effet n'est pas avéré sur les espèces non
ciblées comme l'Homme.
"Malheureusement, la Commission européenne et la plupart des Etats membres de l'UE
s'inquiètent davantage de l'impact économique de l'élimination des pesticides perturbateurs
endocriniens du marché que de protéger nos populations, l'environnement et les générations
futures des nombreux troubles de santé et maladies causés par l'exposition aux perturbateurs
endocriniens", a réagi l'Association PAN Europe.
Le Conseil et le Parlement européens devront désormais se prononcer sur cette proposition
d'ici deux mois.
Une volonté politique de ne pas bloquer la Commission
Le volte-face de la France pourrait quant à lui être lié à une volonté politique du Président de
ne pas bloquer la Commission. "La Commission voulait avancer sur la question et la France
ne souhaitait pas être considéré comme le pays qui bloquait", estime François Veillerette.
Le ministère de la Transition écologique et solidaire assure dans un communiqué avoir obtenu
des garanties supplémentaires de la Commission pour accélérer sa politique de lutte contre ces
substances.
2 Ainsi, il salue l'annonce de l'application immédiate des nouveaux critères aux substances en cours de réévaluation au niveau communautaire, le lancement d'une stratégie européenne prenant en compte toutes les expositions possibles, notamment dans les jouets, les cosmétiques et les emballages alimentaires. Il souligne également la mobilisation de 50 millions d'euros complémentaires en faveur de la recherche sur les effets des perturbateurs endocriniens, dès 2018 ainsi que l'évaluation prévue "rapidement" de l'efficience de ces critères et de l'effet des exemptions introduites. Lancement de mesures nationales "Dans l'attente de l'évaluation par la Commission des dispositions du texte entrainant l'exemption de certaines substances agissant comme des perturbateurs endocriniens, la France a décidé en outre d'engager dès à présent des mesures nationales", indique le ministère de la Transition écologique et solidaire. D'ici le 14 juillet, la liste des pesticides contenant une substance identifiée par la Commission comme perturbateur endocrinien sera publiée. "S'agissant des substances concernées par l'exemption prévue, dès lors que des préoccupations s'expriment, le Gouvernement s'engage à utiliser la procédure prévue par le droit européen permettant, sur la base d'analyses scientifiques et techniques menées au niveau national, d'interdire la mise sur le marché français de produits contenant ces substances", précise le communiqué. Les ministres de la Transition écologique et solidaire, et de l'Agriculture ont annoncé saisir l'Anses pour mener une évaluation des risques des produits les plus utilisés contenant ces substances. Des travaux avec les industriels, les agriculteurs et la société civile seront organisés suite à leur conclusion. Le Gouvernement devrait doter les agences sanitaires de moyens financiers pour leur permettre de mener des études indépendantes. Une évaluation de la stratégie nationale sur les perturbateurs endocriniens sera lancée dans l'optique de sa révision. La France devrait également étudier la possibilité de rendre obligatoire l'étiquetage de la présence de perturbateurs endocriniens (selon Reach ou selon la définition européenne aujourd'hui adoptée) pour les produits susceptibles de conduire à une exposition par voie cutanée ou orale. Enfin, le Gouvernement prévoit différents outils de communication : site internet d'information sur les substances dangereuses, journée nationale sur les perturbateurs endocriniens et formation des professionnels de santé sur ces dernières. Il souhaite également accélérer la mise en place de la plate-forme publique privée sur les outils de détection des perturbateurs endocriniens. De nouveaux moyens seront également accordés à la recherche sur ces substances. Enfin, concernant le Bisphénol S, le Gouvernement assure qu'il mènera "l'ensemble des actions nécessaires au niveau national et européen pour assurer un niveau de protection équivalent à celui choisi pour le bisphénol A". Vaincue par Nespresso, Ethical Coffee Company jette l'éponge Marché des capsules, Ethical Coffee Company jette l'éponge face à Nespresso Le Journal du matin 06/07/17 Estelle Braconnier/oang
3 Ethical Coffee Compagny (ECC) se retire du marché des capsules à café, annonce jeudi le quotidien Le Temps. La société valdo-fribourgeoise vient pourtant de gagner une bataille contre Nespresso en Allemagne. Spécialisée dans la distribution des dosettes de café biodégradables, ECC était en guerre depuis plus de huit ans contre la marque de Nestlé. Et la société Nespresso vient d'être condamnée pour contrefaçon de brevet d'un blocage installé sur les machines à café - un système inventé par ECC et qui empêche le bon fonctionnement des capsules concurrentes. Les capsules de moins en moins rentables Le verdict de la justice allemande ouvre la voie à des dommages et intérêts significatifs, mais manifestement insuffisants, pour ECC. La vente de capsules, biodégradables ou pas, est devenue beaucoup moins rentable, explique le fondateur de la marque Jean-Paul Gaillard dans Le Temps. Il y a désormais trop de monde sur le créneau et les prix ont considérablement baissé. Le site de production de l'entreprise, situé en France voisine, serait presque déserté. Seule une quarantaine de personnes fréquenterait encore les 8000 m2 de l'usine. Il ne faudra que six mois pour écouler la production selon le patron. Secret Les frais de justice contre sa rivale Nespresso ont coûté une fortune à la marque romande. En 2011, le renoncement de Coop à proposer les dosettes biodégradables avait fait beaucoup de mal à ECC. Aujourd'hui, Ethical Coffee Company abandonne les capsules de café mais ne met pas la clé sous le paillasson. C'est du moins ce qu'annonce son directeur, qui promet l'arrivée d'un nouveau produit "révolutionnaire". Mais il n'en dit pas plus, invoquant le secret des affaires. July 5, 2017 Updated 2 days ago Governments detail commitments on plastic marine litter at UN event Steve Toloken BRICS and Plastics 07/07/17
4 If you want a glimpse of what governments around the world are thinking on plastics and marine litter, take a look at the commitments they made at the United Nations Ocean Conference in June. The commitments are voluntary, but 179 governments, NGOs and some companies focused on what they're doing to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans. Those 179 were part of more than 1,300 total commitments delivered at the forum on a wide range of ocean challenges. The United Nations billed the conference as its first major forum on the health of the oceans. The commitments can be found on the UN Ocean Conference website under "voluntary commitments" tab and then by doing a keyword search for plastics. The European Union, for example, said it was looking for its new "EU Plastics Strategy," which it expects to finalize this year, to play a big role in stimulating efforts to reduce plastics getting to the ocean. Indonesia, which is identified as one of the biggest sources of plastic in the oceans because of its thousands of islands and lack of waste collection, said it targeted a reduction of plastic debris 70 percent by 2025, from 2017 levels. Indonesia's government also said it was planning to spend up to $1 billion over four years to build up waste management collection infrastructure on land and said it was launching a "National Action Plan on Marine Plastic Debris." Other governments were making similar commitments. Flanders, in Northern Belgium, outlined ways it would try to meet a goal of cutting marine litter it generates 75 percent by 2025. It said it wanted a "focus on plastics and circular economy" and was investigating improving its sewage treatment plants to capture more microplastics. The plastics industry was also there. The American Chemistry Council was part of a group, the Trash Free Seas Alliance, which made a commitment to spend at least $10 million by 2020 on research to address problems from plastics in the oceans. There's a lot going on. Two weeks after the U.N. event, Plastics News Editor Don Loepp moderated a two-day conference in Rhode Island, organized by ACC and featuring addresses from politicians, including U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). Marine litter and plastics have generated a lot of headlines in recent years, like last year's reports that there'd be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050. Less well-known problems, like plastic getting into the food we eat through fish markets in Indonesia and California, was also on the agenda. Reading the conference commitments offers an interesting look at how governments are translating all of that concern into action. Sacs plastiques sur les marchés : les amendes pleuvent sur les commerçants récalcitrants
5 10/07/2017 – Guérande (Breizh-info.com) Louis Moulin Il faut croire qu’il n’y a plus de fraude, de problèmes sanitaires ou de délinquance en France. Du coup la Répression des Fraudes s’est trouvée une tâche à sa mesure, le travail d’Hercule de 2017 : éradiquer les sacs plastiques des marchés français. Si les grandes surfaces se sont faites bon gré mal gré aux sacs « biosourcés » dès l’automne, voire pour les plus tardives au printemps 2017 – l’interdiction était théoriquement au 1er janvier – les commerçants et producteurs sur les marchés font de la résistance. La raison en est essentiellement économique : « si à Paris, avant de décider encore une loi dont on doit payer les conséquences, ils demandaient, ça ferait des vacances ! », fulmine un producteur. « On passe notre temps à payer : les impôts, les charges, les normes, le droit de place, on paie pour avoir le droit de travailler, y en a assez. Là, les sacs c’est très visible : les sacs plastiques nous reviennent à 1 centime pièce, les sacs nouveaux en kraft, c’est plutôt de 3 à 5 centimes, et il est hors de question pour nous de les faire payer aux clients comme peut le faire la grande distribution ». Il y a trois semaines, au Pouliguen, la répression des Fraudes a mis à l’amende un commerçant qui mettait sa marchandise à disposition des clients dans des sacs plastiques – il aurait écopé de 1500 € d’amende. De quoi acheter quelques colis de sacs en papier kraft. Fin juin, un vendeur de sacs à destination des commerçants a été interpellé sur le marché de la Petite Hollande à Nantes : il été soupçonné de vendre des sacs plastiques dessous le manteau – ce qui est aussi interdit, on s’en doute. Il a été relâché car il a réussi à prouver qu’il y avait eu maldonne. Les deux histoires ont fait réagir de nombreux commerçants qui se dépêchent d’expédier leurs stocks de sacs plastiques et de passer au kraft. Mais aussi des clients : « les sacs nouveaux en kraft, c’est peut-être très bien pour le Midi de la France où il ne pleut pas, mais pas pour la Bretagne et les régions au nord de la Loire. Sous la pluie, ils ne tiennent pas, ça ne vaut rien », s’insurge Hélène, sur le marché de La Baule. Les commerçants ne sont pas contents non plus : « pour emballer certains produits, ça ne vaut rien. Dès que le produit est mou ou un peu mouillé, le sac est lui aussi mouillé – ou alors il faut prendre des sacs exprès pour qui sont encore plus chers », remarque un crémier nantais. Et puis ces sacs sont « vraiment biodégradables », constate ce maraîcher du Pays de Retz. Ils se dégradent à toute vitesse. Avec le plastique on pouvait faire des stocks, et acheter
6 beaucoup au meilleur prix. Là, pas moyen, ils se dégradent vraiment vite… quand on est producteur, on a bien d’autres choses à faire, ce n’est guère pratique », sauf pour les industriels du sac évidemment, et pour les revendeurs. Mais pas pour les poissons : les micro-particules issues des sacs « écologiques » et « biodégradables » mettent très longtemps à se dégrader et se retrouvent dans toute la chaîne alimentaire. C’est le fameux « sixième continent » décrié par Nolwenn et qui « tourne tourne, vinyle géant » à la surface des océans. Bref, une fois de plus, de l’écologie, les gouvernements successifs ne semblent avoir retenu que le versant confiscatoire : les amendes, les taxes nouvelles, les normes, qui forment déjà, mises bout à bout, « un maquis inapplicable », estime ce commerçant du Pays Blanc. Car, constate-t-il, «personne n’est aux normes, ni les grands, ni les petits ». Affaire à suivre. A bioplastic derived from soya protein which can absorb up to 40 times its own weight June 28, 2017 This new product, which is organic and biodegradable, is environmentally friendly. For that reason, the experts are exploring its use in the area of horticulture, specifically as a raw material from which to make agricultural nutrient …more Researchers at the University of Seville, together with experts from the University of Huelva, have obtained a natural bioplastic from soya protein that is capable of absorbing up to 40 times its own weight. This new product, which is organic and biodegradable, is environmentally friendly. The researchers are exploring its use in horticulture, specifically as a raw material from which to make agricultural nutrient dispensers.
7 Another of the objectives of the project was to find a material that could substitute plastics obtained from synthetic polymers, which are currently used in hygiene and sanitary products like nappies and sanitary towels. They are trying to reduce the use of artificial polymers and use another plastic that is natural and biodegradable. To achieve the design of the new bioplastic, the researchers altered the composition of soy. This project has been carried out in collaboration with the General Service of Functional Characterisation, situated in the Centre for Research, Technology and Innovation at the University of Seville (CITIUS). Specifically, they modified soy to make it retain a higher percentage of water. "Soya has a great capacity for absorption, which makes it an ideal material. However, we considered whether it could be classed with the super-absorbent bioplastics, which are those that can absorb between 10 and 1000 times their weight in water. After introducing different variants, the result obtained has been positive," said the University of Seville researcher Antonio Guerrero, head of the study. During the tests, the experts showed that the absorption properties of soya were altered. "Without interfering with its composition, soy is capable of absorbing 12 times its own weight, but if we modify its molecular structure to increase its attraction to water, this capacity is multiplied by three so that it reaches 36 times its initial weight—that's an increase of 3600 percent over its real weight," specified Guerrero. To carry out the experiments, they processed the soya to extract the protein. With the aim of separating the liquid from the solid compounds, the scientists used the technique of freeze drying. "This method is gentler and less aggressive than atomization, so it has practically no effect on the protein. In this way, we managed to isolate the raw material with which we are going to work," Guerrero says. After this process of dehydration, the experts mixed the now-modified isolated compound of the protein with a plasticiser. "We obtained a solid concentrate of proteins and, once this composition was prepared, we introduced it into an injection moulding machine and deposited it in a mold. From there, we obtained the test tube with which we are going to do the tests," explained the researcher. Organic nutrient distributor As well as having a higher absorption capacity than other conventional bioplastics, the researchers determined that this compound potentially has applications in horticulture, specifically as a distribution device for agricultural nutrients. In fact, the next phase of this project is to study the viability of releasing these compounds in the country using natural dispensers formed from super-absorbent soya. To do this, they will simulate a piece of land in the laboratory and will place the moulds loaded with micronutrients like mineral salts, iron and zinc, to which they will keep adding water. In this way, they will be able to test if, after the drainage phase and because of the action of these dispensers, the water contains nutrients and, if so, in what quantity. "We want to assure ourselves that what is produced is controlled and suitable for the needs of the soil. Also, as it
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is a biodegradable plastic made from soya proteins, the actual containers, once empty, will
serve as substratum for the soil," Guerrero suggested.
Following this line of study, the researchers will continue experimenting with other products
like rape and cotton, from which superabsorbent materials could be obtained with sanitary and
agricultural industrial applications.
Emballages : l'Etat fixe les règles du bonus et du malus
Un avis précise les critères des bonus et malus applicables aux emballages ménagers.
Définition des emballages recyclables, éco-conception, PET opaque, contamination des
emballages carton par les huiles minérales, les critères sont fixés.
10 juillet 2017 | Philippe Collet
© Généris
Un avis des ministères en charge de l'agrément des éco-organismes de la filière emballages
ménagers précise les critères et niveaux d'éco-modulation applicables à tous les emballages
ménagers à partir de 2018. "Les critères et niveaux d'éco-modulation décrits en annexe du
cahier des charges [pris par arrêté du 29 novembre 2016] ne s'appliquent pas", indique l'avis.
Le texte, publié au Journal officiel du 7 juillet, définit les "emballages recyclables" et fixe les
critères d'application des bonus pour la réduction à la source des emballages, l'amélioration de
leur recyclabilité, la publication des bonnes pratiques et la sensibilisation au geste de tri. Il
prévoit aussi une décote pour l'intégration de matière issue du recyclage dans la fabrication
des emballages en papiers-carton. De même, il détaille les conditions d'application des malus
applicables au suremballage, au PET opaque, aux emballages non-recyclables, aux
perturbateurs du geste de tri, du tri ou du recyclage et à la présence de substances
compromettant l'utilisation du matériau recyclé.
Emballages recyclables
Parmi les éléments saillant de l'avis figure la définition des emballages plastique considérés
comme recyclables dans le cadre de l'extension des consignes de tri à tous les emballages.
Deux critères s'appliquent. Tout d'abord, le corps de l'emballage doit être constitué d'une
résine recyclable et les autres matériaux entrant dans la composition du corps de l'emballage
(autres résines, charges minérales, colorants, encres…) ne doivent pas impacter le process de
tri et de recyclage. Le polyéthylène téréphtalate (PET), le polyéthylène (PE) et le
polypropylène (PP) sont les trois résines considérées comme recyclables. En creux, le texte
indique que les emballages en polystyrène (barquettes, pots de yaourt…) ne sont pas
considérés comme recyclables pour l'instant. Le second critère concerne les éléments associés
9 (bouchons, étiquettes, systèmes de fermeture, opercules, encres, colles, etc.) qui ne doivent pas impacter le tri et le recyclage de la résine du corps de l'emballage. "Cette définition des emballages plastiques recyclables exclut les éléments d'emballages définis comme étant perturbateurs et soumis à un malus", précise le document, ajoutant que "les critères (…) sont susceptibles d'évoluer au fur et à mesure des travaux". La définition des emballages plastique recyclables sera revue chaque année pour refléter les avancées industrielles en matière de recyclabilité. Taux d'opacifiant des bouteilles en PET opaque Concernant les bonus dont bénéficient les emballages qui favorisent la réduction à la source des déchets ou qui améliorent la recyclabilité, l'avis précise qu'ils ne s'appliquent que la première année de mise sur le marché de l'emballage modifié. Il fixe surtout des critères précis qui déterminent l'éligibilité des emballages au bonus. Ainsi, pour bénéficier de la réduction de 8% applicable aux produits qui font l'objet d'actions de réduction d'emballage à la source, les producteurs devront alléger d'au moins 2% l'emballage. Le bonus de 8% applicable aux emballages qui ont fait l'objet d'amélioration de la recyclabilité fait l'objet de plusieurs précisions. La suppression d'un matériau non majoritaire d'une unité d'emballage multi-matériau ne donne droit au bonus que si elle n'entraîne pas d'alourdissement et si le matériau majoritaire reste le même. Le remplacement des emballages rigides en plastiques complexes par des emballages monorésines plus facilement recyclables ne peut être obtenu que si le nouvel emballage monorésine ne contient pas de colorant à base de noir de carbone. Le texte précise aussi que les emballages en papier-carton obtiennent un bonus de 10% de la contribution au poids s'ils incorporent plus de 50% de fibres recyclées. Pénaliser les encres contenant des huiles minérales Du côté des malus, le texte fixe les critères du malus applicable aux bouteilles en PET opaque. La majoration de 100% de la contribution au poids ne s'appliquera qu'aux emballages rigides en PET dont le corps contient un taux d'opacifiants minéraux supérieur à 4%. L'avis fixe aussi les critères d'application du dispositif visant à lutter contre le suremballage Le texte distingue les unités d'emballage selon qu'elles dépassent ou non 0,1 gramme. Les emballages dont le poids est inférieur se voient appliquer, pour chaque emballage, un malus de 10% du montant de la contribution par unité de vente. Si le poids des emballages supplémentaires dépasse 0,1 gramme, la règle introduite par l'arrêté d'avril 2017 est légèrement modifiée : malus de 80% pour chaque unité d'emballage à partir de la deuxième unité d'emballage et jusqu'à la cinquième, de 60% de la sixième à la dixième, de 40% de la onzième à le trentième, et de 10% à partir de la trente-et-unième. Le malus de 50% appliqué aux emballages perturbant le geste de tri, le tri ou le recyclage vise spécifiquement les emballages en verre avec un bouchon en porcelaine ou en céramique, les emballages pour liquides alimentaires dont le papier-carton est le matériau majoritaire mais qui sont constitués de moins de 50% de fibres, les emballages en papier-carton "armé" et les bouteilles dont le matériau majoritaire est le PET et contenant de l'aluminium, du PVC ou de la silicone (de densité supérieure à 1). En revanche, les bouteilles en PET avec des opercules
10 mixtes (aluminium/plastique) entièrement et obligatoirement dissociables pour permettre la consommation du produit ne sont pas considérées comme des emballages perturbateurs. Enfin, le texte s'attaque à la contamination aux huiles minérales des aliments vendus dans des emballages en carton. Pour y remédier, il pénalise les emballages en papier-carton comportant des impressions avec des encres fabriquées avec ajout d'huiles minérales. Ils se verront appliquer une majoration de 10% de la contribution au poids. Biodegradable mulch films supported in revision of EU Fertilisers Regulation Berlin, 13 July 2017 – Today, the European Parliament’s Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) adopted its report amending the European Commission’s proposal for a revision of the Fertilisers Regulation. In its report, the IMCO Committee acknowledges the innovative potential of biodegradable mulch films, which provide positive agronomical effects and help to avoid the generation of microplastics on fields. European Bioplastics (EUBP), the association representing the interests of the bioplastics industry in Europe, welcomes the support for this modern and efficient agricultural practice by the members of the IMCO Committee as well as the opinion-giving expert Committees on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) and on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). Biodegradable mulch films have been available on the market for more than 15 years, backed by solid scientific and technical knowledge, and meeting a high level of acceptance among European farmers growing fruits and vegetables. They play an essential role in modern agriculture as they deliver positive agronomical effects such as increasing yield, improving quality of crops, weed control, and reduction of water irrigation and pesticides. Additionally, they offer distinctive advantages at the end of the crop cycle as they can be left on the field and ploughed under, which significantly reduces the agricultural plastic waste and potential soil pollution. The inclusion of biodegradable mulches in the Fertilisers Regulation, with a clear link to the criteria of the upcoming European standard for the biodegradation of plastic mulch films in soil, will help to harmonise regulations across the EU Member States. The standard is expected to be published by the end of the year and will require complete biodegradation within 24 months as well as an eco-toxicity test. European Bioplastics looks forward to continuing the dialogue leading up to the vote on the revised Fertilisers Regulation in the European Parliament’s Plenary in September. Defining Moment for Bioplastic Feedstock Developments Donald Rosato – Apr 15, 2016
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The recent decline of crude oil prices during 2015 forward has hampered the
growth of bioplastics, yet the remarkable technology achievements in biochemical
building blocks of the past two decades will continue strong during this transition
period.
With declining oil prices bioplastics will experience increased competition from fossil fuel
based, volume plastics, particularly in the packaging market. Yet bioplastic companies will
continue to demonstrate the same technical marketing business ingenuity they have exhibited
over the past 25+ years by specialty feedstock/resin niche market development, by holding in
place their existing technology, further focusing on added production efficiencies, and in
some limited cases withdrawing from the bioplastic market segment as a result of non-
competitiveness. This first Bioplastic Feedstocks article will be followed by a Bioplastic
Materials and Bioplastic Applications reviews.
Advances in Bioplastic Feedstock
Let’s now start by taking a current, broad ranging, summary look at recent bioplastic
feedstock advances.
• Braskem is the only global supplier of bio-polyethylene based on sugarcane, with 200
kilotons per year plant in Rio do Sul, Brazil. Sugar feedstock has exhibited a low but
stable price, despite lower ethanol prices as a result of low crude oil and in turn
gasoline prices. Bio-polyethylene market prices average 40% higher than standard
fossil fuel based polyethylene. Braskem has put on hold its sugar cane based bio-
polypropylene program until crude oil to ethanol pricing improves. Elsewhere in
Europe, Sabic is planning to enter the bio-polyethylene and bio-polypropylene market
segments using bio-naphtha from Neste Oil based on hydrocracked waste oils and fats
feedstocks.
• In the bio-polyester segment, bio-PolyButylene Succinate (PBS), bio-
PolyTrimethylene Terephthalate (PTT), and bio-PolyEthylene Terephthalate (PET) are
based on a range of renewable content feedstocks such as bio-diacids (succinic acid)
and bio-diols (ethylene glycol, 1,3 propanediol).
• BioAmber has brought on line 30 kilotons per year plant in Sarnia (Ontario) Canada,
the largest in the world. Other succinic acid producers include US based Myriant (1412
kilotons), Italy based Riverdia (10 kilotons), and Spain based Succinity (10 kilotons).
Thailand based PTTMCC Biochem will take 15 kilotons per year of succinic acid
from BioAmber and react it with 1,4 butanediol at its 20 kilotons per year bio-
PolyButylene Succinate (PBS) plant.
• DuPont’s Sorona PTT is manufactured from 1,3 PropaneDiOl (PDO) and Terephthalic
Acid (TA). Its PDO is built off its Susterra molecule that establishes it as an
alternative to fossil fuel based glycols. Further, the well-established DuPont Tate &
Lyle alliance manufactures their glucose variety PDO at their 64 kilotons per year
plant in Loudon, Tennessee, United States. Elsewhere. China’s Zhangjiagang Glory
Industrial at its 65 kilotons per year glycerol type PDO and 2,3 ButaneDiOl (BDO)
plant to captively manufacture its own PTT. Finally, China based Suzhou Shenghong
Group is in the early planning stages of PDO (glycerol based) and PTT project.
• Coca-Cola’s renewable content bottle program continues to grow slowly due mainly to
low crude oil prices and high priced Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) monomer and bio-
PET polymer materials. Sugar cane derived MEG are produced by only two global
suppliers namely, Greencol Taiwan Corporation and India Glycols. Italy’s M&G
Chemicals is developing a China based bio-MEG and bio-ethanol facility. India’s JBF
Industries is considering a bio-MEG plant in South Carolina, potentially working with
Coca-Cola.
Coca-Cola’s Bio-Based PET PlantBottle13
PlantBottle Manufacturing Process (Green; 30% Bio-MEG, or Component B)
• Bio-based systems such as 1,5 FuranDicCarboxylic Acid (FDCA) and Purified
Terephthalic Acid (PTA)/paraxylene are opening new feedstock pathways to bio-PET.
Furthermore, FDCA is a PTA feedstock replacement option. New York based
Anellotech is pilot manufacturing development of bio-toluenes and bio-xylenes by
thermal catalytic converting of biomass. Other companies namely Vertimass and
Virent are pioneering similar bio-aromatics feedstock routes to bio-PET. Soon to be
publicly announced will be The Netherlands based Avantium’s European FDCA
commercial scale plant, with Japan’s Mitsui & Company being a major customer.
Avantium has been providing FDCA development samples from a Geleen, The
Netherlands 40 tons per year pilot facility. Their FDCA two step catalytic process
converts sugars via proprietary “YXY” technology.
• Mitsui & Company and Avantium are cooperating on PolyEthylene Furanoate (PEF)
joint development based on FDCA and MEG to replace PET, targeting end use
applications such as PEF bottles in Japan and thin films starting from Japan to across
Asia.
• In an adjunct area, Gevo (US) is converting bio-isobutanol into bio-paraxylene and
producing sample quantities for Toray Industries (Japan) for bio-PET fiber
development.
• Princeton University spinoff company, Liquid Light Inc. (US) has advanced a
laboratory scale photosynthesis process that transforms ethanol processed waste CO2
into bio-MEG.
• In the bio-acrylic field due to competitive pricing pressures strong feedstock
development transitions have occurred at a rapid rate. For example, Germany’s BASF
and the US’ OPX Biotechnologies have pulled out of bio-acrylic acid development
with US based Cargill and Novozymes respectively. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM,
US), Arkema (France), and Nippon Shokubai (Japan) are developing bio-acrylic acid
from glycerine, with only ADM having a pilot plant thus far.
• Technology innovator Novomer (US) is developing their acrylic acid via specialized
catalysts to make propiolactone from carbon monoxide and ethylene oxide. Then they
take their polypropiolactone and with pyrolysis it becomes glacial acrylic acid.14
Depending on economics, the ethylene oxide can be renewably or fossil fuel based. No
commercialization evident at present.
• With regard to bio-MMA (Methyl MethAcrylate (MMA), state of the art French
technology took the lead here. Arkema (France) in concert with Global Bioenergies
(France) jointly developed bio-MMA with isobutene feedstock derived from glucose.
Elsewhere at a very early development stage, Evonik’s Creavis Division (Germany)
plus LanzaTech (Germany) is focused on fermentation processing to change syngas
into a purified 2-HydroxyIsoButyric Acid (2-HIBA) to arrive at bio-MMA.
• Lucite International (US, division of Japan’s Mitsubishi Rayon)) is exploring multiple
biochemical feedstock routes to bio-MMA primarily including bio-methanol, bio-
acetone, and bio-ethylene, with the goal of fitting them into currently used acrylic
manufacturing schemes. Additionally, serious R&D efforts are investigating unique
single step fermentation process methods to bio-MMA.
• Itaconix (US) and Leaf Technologies (France) are pursuing maleic acid like, naturally
occurring itaconic acid (or methylene succinic acid) as a feedstock for acrylic resins.
Renewable Feedstocks (L) in Relation to Conventional Petrochemical Routes (R)—
Plastics Institute of America
Commercializing Renewable Feedstocks : Projects
Global chemical industry companies are continually seeking new feedstocks and products
derived from renewable sources to reduce dependence on petroleum longer term. Numerous
strategic partnerships, investments and construction projects are making inroads in this drive
to convert to biobased feedstocks and products. Let’s take a technology snapshot of some
recent noteworthy development projects to commercialize renewable feedstocks as follows:15 Methane to Lactic Acid Fermentation Technology Let’s begin with milestone methane to lactic acid fermentation technology in development. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is approximately 20 times more harmful than carbon dioxide (CO2). Generated by the natural decomposition of plant materials and a component of natural gas, methane is also produced from society’s organic wastes such as waste-water treatment, decomposition within landfills, and anaerobic digestion. If successful, the technology could directly access carbon from any of these sources. NatureWorks and Calysta Energy, a company specialized in the development of industrial products from sustainable sources, are collaborating to develop a process for fermenting methane into lactic acid. Last year, Calysta announced it had successfully fermented methane into lactic acid, the building block for NatureWorks Ingeo lactide intermediates and polymers that are used in consumer and industrial products. Currently, Ingeo relies on carbon from CO2 feedstock fixed or sequestered through photosynthesis into simple plant sugars, known as ‘first generation materials.’ The US DOE (Department of Energy) has awarded $2.5 million to NatureWorks to transform biogas into the lactic acid building block in support of the NatureWorks/Calysta development program. NatureWorks/Calysta Energy’s Methane to Lactic Acid Fermentation Technology Key goals are to provide a simplified, lower cost Ingeo production platform and diversify NatureWorks’ feedstock portfolio. While the critical lab scale first stage of the project has confirmed methane conversion to lactic acid, much additional development work remains. A full demonstration of commercial feasibility may require up to five years of development effort. The companies will share commercialization rights for select products developed under the agreement. Disruptive Carbon Capture Process Scheme
16
Next, let’s review plastic from disruptive carbon capture technology. Newlight Technologies
is using its patented GHG (GreenHouse Gas) to-plastic bioconversion technology to harness
methane-containing GHG that would otherwise become part of the air. Disruptive carbon
capture technology that is patented by Newlight Technologies uses air and green-house gas to
produce AirCarbon, a PHA (PolyHydroxyAlkanoate) based bioplastic material.
Newlight Technologies Disruptive Carbon Capture Process Scheme
First, GHG carbon is captured, diluted with air, and directed into a conversion reactor. The
air/GHG stream is then contacted with a micro-organism-based biocatalyst. The biocatalyst
works by separating carbon and O2 from an air stream containing GHG, and then re-
assembling the molecules into a long chain PHA-based bioplastic. Once synthesized,
AirCarbon is then removed from the reactor system and processed into pellets.
Newlight’s biocatalyst is said to generate a polymer conversion yield over nine times higher
than previous greenhouse gas-to-PHA conversion technologies and fundamentally shifts the
cost structure of the greenhouse gas to a plastic conversion process. Newlight says its
AirCarbon plastic can significantly out-compete oil-based plastics, such as polypropylene and
polyethylene, on price. Newlight has signed a 20 year take-or-pay contract with Vinmar
International for a total of up to 19 billion pounds of AirCarbon PHA over the 20 year period.17
Vinmar International Ltd is a privately held plastics and chemicals marketing, distribution and
project development company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The contract launches
AirCarbon to world-scale volume.
Hemicellulose Xylan Feedstock
Continuing, let’s evaluate a biobased, non-conventional building-block namely, Xylan
complex polysaccharides. The main hemicelluloses in angiosperms (flowering plants), xylans
make up 25-35% of the lignified tissues in grasses and cereals. This highly complex
polysaccharide, made from units of xylose (a pentose sugar) is present in large quantities in
agricultural and forestry by-products. Biobased and biodegradable Xylan is both sustainable
and economical. Xylan is being extracted from cereal husks by Chalmers University spin-out
company Xylophane AB using technology developed at the Chalmers University of
Technology in Sweden. Isolated by an extraction process from an agricultural by-product, the
material is not based on feedstock competing with food production. Xylan in powder form is
blended with additives to form a barrier material that can be used in food packaging. The
barrier product named Skalax is dissolved in water and coated onto food packaging substrates
using reverse roll, rod or curtain coating processes.
Xylophane AB’s Hemicellulose Xylan Feedstock18
Xylan Manufacturing Process
Tomato Waste Feedstock for Automotive Applications
Finally, let’s examine a tomato waste fiber source that is bioplastic feedstock filler
mechanically blended for potential use in plastic composites. Ford Motor Company with H. J.
Heinz, the food processor, are investigating the use of tomato fibers to develop sustainable
composites for auto applications. Heinz researchers were looking for innovative ways to
repurpose the peel, stem, and seed by-product from more than 2 million tons of tomatoes used
annually to produce Heinz ketchup. Tomato by-products are shipped to Ford facilities where
they are processed into small, dry pellets that can be used in manufacturing. Ford is testing the
fiber in a polypropylene composite.
Ford/Heinz’s Raw Form Tomato Waste Fiber (L), Tomato By-Product Pellets (R)
The goal is to develop a strong lightweight material that meets Ford vehicle requirements
while also reducing overall environmental impact. Odor is a key concern that is being
carefully monitored. Still in the very early stages of research, Ford is testing the tomato fiber
composites’ durability for potential use in wiring brackets and car console storage bins.19 Ford Focus Electric Vehicle—Tomato Waste Feedstock to Renewable Content Car Parts Ford has been working with plant fibers for more than a decade, and last year introduced cellulose fiber-reinforced console components and rice hull-filled electrical cowl brackets. The company is also working with coconut-based composite materials and recycled cotton material for carpeting and seat fabrics. The company's commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle is part of its global sustainability strategy to lessen its environmental footprint while accelerating development of fuel-efficient vehicle technology worldwide. Conclusion In conclusion, the road ahead looks bright for bioplastic feedstock development. The biobased economy is holding promise as rapid development of biochemicals based on biomass offers customers alternate supply chains compared with the traditional petroleum routes. The ‘Plastics Industry’ is undergoing dramatic transformation as bioplastics primarily derived from renewable feedstocks continue to gain recognition in a market dominated by petroleum- based products. Biobased raw materials will shift to non-food sources, for example, lignocellulosic biomass, algae, drought resistant plants, waste products and greenhouse gases. Collaborations between companies from agricultural, forestry and the chemical sectors will become increasingly important. Just as it is common for a petrochemical company to have interests in oil extraction, it will also become normal for chemical companies to look to ensure renewable feedstock availability.
20
Today (L) versus Tomorrow (R) in Bioplastic Feedstock Development— Plastics
Institute of America
Emerging Bioplastic Material Trends & Technologies
Donald Rosato – Sep 22, 2016
Expanding bioplastics production capacity is a good starting point for discussion.
Petrochemical based materials make up the majority of plastics produced or 310
million tonnes of plastics produced worldwide in 2015. Global bioplastics
production capacity will have grown at a compounded annual growth rate of almost
20% from 2013 to 2020. Growing from around 5.1 million metric tons in 2013, the
production capacity for bioplastics will have increased to a predicted 17 million
metric tons by 2020.
While this envisaged growth looks good, we cannot neglect that while adopting
bioplastics, their higher costs and performance gap relative to traditional ones still stands as
the main challenges.
Let's take a detailed look into the facts and figures first.21
Dynamically Developing Biobased Market
Growth in Biopolymers
By far the strongest growth will be in the biobased non-biodegradable plastics group.
Biobased drop-ins, led by bio-PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), and the new polymers PLA
(PolyLactic Acid) and PHA (PolyHydroxy Alkanoate), will show the fastest rates of market
growth. Biobased PET production capacity was around 600,000 metric tons in 2013 and is
projected to reach about 7 million metric tons by 2020. Drop-in bioplastics, such as biobased
PET and biobased PE (Polyethylene), chemically identical to petroleum-derived plastics are
rapidly gaining acceptance. Use of these drop-in materials involve much less risk versus
unknown novel materials and are compatible with existing recycling streams.
Biobased PET production is expanding at high rates worldwide, largely due to the following
reasons:
• Plant PET Technology Collaborative (PTC) initiative launched by the Coca-Cola
Company. Other drop-ins that have been, or are being commercialized include
biobased nylon, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, and
many other traditional plastics
• The second most dynamic development is foreseen for the family of biopolymers
known as PHA, PLA and bio-based PUR (Polyurethane) are also showing impressive
growth. Their production capacities will have quadrupled between 2013 and 2020
Most investment in new bio-based polymer capacities will take place in Asia because of
better access to feedstock and a favorable political framework. Asia’s production capacity is
predicted to have increased from 52% in 2013 to 75% in 2018. Europe’s bioplastics
production capacity is projected to decrease from 18% to 8%, and North America’s will fall
from 18% to 5%. South America is likely to remain constant with production capacity share
remaining at around 12%.
The graphic representation below will allow for a much better understanding of the market.22 Adoption of Bioplastics : Challenges High Volatility of Oil Prices This is a continuing factor to be watched. During periods of tight balance between oil supply and demand in the world market any incident or crisis can send oil prices soaring or plummeting. Inflation adjusted oil prices reached an all-time low in 1998 (US$17.10/Barrel— lower than the price in 1946). Then just ten years later oil prices were at the all-time high for crude oil ($135.04/Barrel—above the 1979-1980 price peaks of $115.89/Barrel) in real inflation adjusted terms. Brent crude has recently closed as low as $48.14/Barrel.
23
ICIS Consulting WTI (West Texas Intermediate) Oil Price Forecast Range
Higher Bioplastic Prices Relative to Traditional Plastics
Competing with fossil fuel is one of the main challenges for bioplastics, which can cost
anywhere from 10% to 100% more than traditional plastics, depending on the grade and type
of chemical compound being produced. Over reliance on food crops can be a challenge–-a
move to lignocellulosic biomass is needed as rapidly as possible. However, bioplastics
currently depend on just approximately 0.01% of the total global agricultural area.
China, a net importer of carbohydrates is seeking to limit crops which can be used to make
chemical intermediates to not compete with food production.
• Skepticism abounds on functional abilities and environmental claims.
• Greenwashing tactics and overemphasis on environmental benefits is prompting
consumer skepticism.
• Recyclability remains a concern regarding contamination of conventional plastic
recycling streams by certain bioplastics.
• Unavailability of industrial composting facilities is an ongoing challenge.
• While bioplastics such as PLA are only compostable at temperatures and operating
conditions achieved in industrial composting facilities, many communities do not have
access to industrial composting operations.
Now that we have reviewed the challenges that stand in front of us, let's take a look at these
innovative bioplastic material technologies.24
Four Emerging Bioplastic Materials Technologies
Mirel : PHA Modifiers for PLA developed by Metabolix
First, there is a novel PHA (PolyHydroxy Alkanoate) modifier for PLA (PolyLactic Acid). It
has been developed by Metabolix with the physical characteristics of a low glass transition
temperature rubber. These Mirel bio-elastomer modifiers improve the ductility and flexibility
of PLA, while retaining clarity and compostability. A range of ductility improvement is
possible without lowering the glass transition temperature of the PLA, and it is not a miscible
plasticizer.
PHA Modified PLA Ductility Improvement (L), Clarity (R)
Benefits of these modifiers are as follows:
1. In PLA extrusion, the rubber modifiers lower stiffness and brittleness and improve
tactile feel.
2. In toughening PLA sheet, dart impact improves with the PHA modifier; brittleness is
reduced and ductility/elongation is improved.
3. It also improves PLA sheet trimming with reduced brittle edge fracture.
4. In PLA film the modifiers also increase tear resistance.
5. In PHA modified PLA, flexibility and toughness in PLA blown film is improved with
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) performance possible.
6. PHA modified PLA also has excellent melt strength for effective PLA film blowing.
7. PLA draws easily but has little melt elasticity.
8. Modifying PLA with PHA elastomer raises PLA’s melt elasticity.
PHA and PLA have complementary refractive indices (RI). This is important for PLA
transparency retention where the RI of PLA and PHA are 1.48-1.49 nD25 where:
• n is refractive index
• D refers to the D lines of sodium
• 25 is degrees Celsius
• Refractive index varies with wavelength
• nD25 specifies the refractive index for a particular wavelength at a particular
temperature
• D is commonly chosen as a value to work with because D lines of sodium are very
strong and sharp and are easy to get25 The bio-elastomer’s ability to modify and improve PLA demonstrates performance comparable to traditional non-renewable rubber modifiers, without compromising the renewable nature of PLA or key features of clarity and compostability. By varying modifier loads, flexibility and toughness in PLA blown and cast film can be adjusted across the range spanning from paper to HDPE. Compostable PLA-polyester based Blend by Floreon Continuing second, there is another novel high performance PLA polymer blend on the horizon. PLA can be alloyed with other polymers to improve properties including both impact resistance and thermal performance. Floreon is a fully compostable PLA-polyester based blend. Floreon Transforming Packaging Ltd. developed the innovative bioplastic. The patented polymer compound yields PLA blends suitable for thermoformed and injection molded packaging that also shows promise for film and blow molding operations. Floreon also works well for 3D printing. Floreon PLA/Polyester Blend Based Packaging, Blowmolded (L), Thermoformed (R) A typical formulation is 90% PLA plus 5% ‘polyester 1’ and 5% ‘polyester 2’. The additives are completely degradable certified to EN13432 and suitable for food contact. They serve as a toughening component and a flow rate enhancing component that makes it easier to process. The additives interact to disperse throughout the material, forming a unique polymer-polymer ‘nano-composite’ structure. The dispersed spheres deflect stresses and energy in the finished product with minimal effect on clarity. MAPKA Bioplastic Composite Resin by EBPM Fine-particle-sized cellulosic is key to the MAPKA bioplastic resin. MAPKA bioplastic composite resin is produced in North America by Eco Bio Plastics Midland Inc. (EBPM). It is made using cellulosic material and post-industrial waste paper as filler. EBPM is a US- Japan joint venture in Midland, Michigan between Tokyo-based Eco Research Institute (ERI) and a Michigan-based polymer research organization, the Michigan Molecular Institute (MMI). The patented technology developed at the Eco Research Institute (ERI) is based on a novel method of dry-grinding various types of cellulose down to a mean particle size of 20 microns.
26
MAPKA Bioplastic Resin (top), Applications (bottom)
The micron-sized fine powder is used as a reinforcement and filler in EBPM’s bioplastics
compounding process to produce MAPKA. MAPKA can be based on such virgin or recycled
materials as PP, LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), HDPE (High Density Polyethylene),
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) as well as PLA and
PHA. The ultra- fine cellulosic fillers can comprise up to 65% of the total weight of the
product. The cellulose filler enhances the plastics physical and mechanical properties while
remaining virtually undetectable to the naked eye.
FlaxpregTM Flax Reinforced Composite by Faurecia (with Project Partners)
Continuing fourth, in the biocomposites development field there is an award winning flax
reinforced composite. Flaxpreg was awarded the JEC Europe Innovation Award in the semi-
products category. ‘Flaxpreg’ is a green and light; very long flax fiber reinforced acrylic
composite sandwich structure developed by Faurecia with PSA Peugeot-Citröen, Lineo and
the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (France). The project, to design structural trim
parts, followed three key objectives:
• A drastic weight reduction,
• The use of renewable resources,
• A process in line with automotive cycle times and material costs constraints meeting
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