What are some current applications of bioplastics?
Some high growth applications of bioplastics include:
- Renewable resource based and compostable film packaging, shopping and refuse waste bags
- Agricultural products, such as biodegradable mulch film, plant pots and stakes
- Catering products, such as trays, cups, plates, cutlery and bags
- Rigid packaging, such as trays, containers, bottles and closures
- Pouches and netting
Who are some of the major customers using plastics containing Cardia Bioplastics resins?
Cardia Bioplastics resins are sold in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Our customers are retailers, municipal councils, brand owners, and other organisations.
What type of processing equipment is required to make plastic products from Cardia Bioplastics resins?
Cardia Bioplastics resins can be processed on standard plastics processing equipment designed for thermoplastic resins. However, due to the different nature of the materials, the processing conditions need to be adjusted. For example, the process temperatures required to extrude Cardia Bioplastics resins are lower than the temperatures required to convert conventional plastics. This provides a benefit of lower energy consumption for the converter and adds to the lower carbon foot print.
Does the feedstock used to make Cardia Bioplastics resins detract from food sources?
The natural feedstock for our resins does not detract from food sources for a number of reasons. Corn and corn starch have a long history not only as food, but also as feedstock in a variety of industrial applications, including adhesives or as binder in personal hygiene products. Global corn production accommodates for these industrial applications and still produces an annual surplus of more than 10%. The feedstock requirement for biodegradable polymers is still less than 1%. In addition, there is global agricultural land available for agriculture, but is not farmed for commercial or political reasons.
Is the starch used to make Cardia Bioplastics resin genetically modified?
No, our suppliers do not use genetically modified crops for the production of starch.
How is quality maintained and assured?
Our manufacturing operation is accredited to the ISO9001 standard and employs international QA/QC practices. All batches of resin are subject to stringent quality control testing. Our Technical Centres are very well equipped with the latest in resin and film testing equipment as well as conversion equipment
What is Cardia Compostable material?
Patented Cardia Compostable resins are designed for sustainability and meet stringent international compostability standards. Compostable materials are broken down through the action of microbes, fungi, moisture and heat commonly found in an industrial composting environment or in soil. A number of international standards clearly define the compostability of packaging products and materials, and currently the main standards are:
- Europe – EN 13432
- USA – ASTM D 6400
- Australia – AS 4736
To be deemed compostable, resins must be independently tested and certified as meeting these four performance standards:
- Very low content of heavy metals in the plastic – must meet standards set by each country
- The product must disintegrate into small fragments when placed into compost – 90% of the bag must be in fragments less than 2 mm in size within 3 months of being placed into compost
- The bag must biodegrade to CO2 and water within 180 days of being placed in compost
- The biodegradation of the bag must not have any harmful effects on the soil, plants or wildlife, with tests using plants and earthworms
What is a Cardia Biohybrid material?
Our patented Cardia Biohybrid resins are designed for sustainability and low carbon footprint compared to traditional plastics. These materials use less fossil fuel to preserve finite oil resources and offer a packaging alternative geared for sustainability by using annually renewable resources (starch) blended with polyolefins. Cardia Biohybrid materials can be recycled.
Do plastics made from Cardia Biohybrid resins have the same physical properties as standard plastics?
The physical properties will vary slightly depending on the amount of hybrid resin used in the extrusion of the plastic and how it is incorporated into the final product. For example, if a plastic film is extruded containing 10 to 20% Cardia Biohybrid resin, this material’s properties will be virtually the same as standard plastics. If however, a plastic film is extruded containing 70% of Cardia Biohybrid resin, the mechanical properties of the film will be slightly lower than a film made from standard polyethylene resins.
Are Cardia Biohybrid resins recyclable?
The starch in Cardia Biohybrid resins is fully compatible with the polyolefin component. This ensures that Cardia Biohybrid materials can be reprocessed on their own (in plant scrap), or with other scrap polyolefins, without measurable effect on the recycle stream.
Can products made from Cardia Biohybrid resins be recycled in the normal plastic recycling waste stream?
Plastics containing patented Cardia Biohybrid resins can be recycled in the normal plastic waste stream. These uniquely engineered thermoplastic starch resins are similar in nature to filled plastics and can be recycled without concern.
Do plastics made from Cardia Biohybrid resins have a lower carbon foot print than materials made from standard petroleum based resins?
Yes, plastics made from Cardia Biohybrid resins can contain up to 50% sustainable material. Cardia Bioplastics’ resins are made from materials that are annually renewable as they are cultivated and have a carbon foot print that is up to 60% lower than that of conventional petroleum based polyethylene.