Bio-Fed's new M-Vera PLA compound targets cosmetics and food/non-food packaging

PLA-based biodegradable compounds for extrusion and thermoforming of cosmetics, food and non-food packaging have been added to the M-Vera compound range of German composite manufacturer Bio-Fed (a branch of Akro-Plastic GmbH). The three new M-Vera PLA compounds are all certified by OK compost Industrial (according to EN 13432), and the renewable content in the polymer ranges from 50% to nearly 100%, depending on the M-Vera grade. Some grades are transparent.

The company said that with the new grades GP4001, GP4003 and GP4005, it has developed materials for rigid packaging solutions, which are reportedly easy to extrude. Due to their uniform wall thickness distribution, extruded plates have proven to be easy to process by thermoforming, and their mechanical properties are comparable to traditional plastics. If necessary, the biological compounds of the M-Vera production line can be processed into multilayer structures to improve their mechanical, optical or barrier properties. Preliminary tests have shown that the GP4001 grade is suitable for thermoformed coffee capsules.

Injection molders are just beginning to become familiar with this new molding material. It pays to learn some basic handling guidelines before starting.

Although often criticized, MFR is a good indicator of the relative average molecular weight of a polymer. Since molecular weight (MW) is the driving force behind polymer performance, it has proven to be a very useful number.

Natural fibers with light weight, high strength and low cost are expected to replace glass and mineral fillers in many interior parts.

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