MGP launches eco-friendly resin that can take the heat
Terratek BD resins will be introduced at the Sustainable Packaging Forum in Pennsylvania, USA this m…Terratek BD resins will be introduced at the Sustainable Packaging Forum in Pennsylvania, USA this month.
It is produced at the firm’s Kansas facility from a proprietary blend of wheat- and corn-based products, as well as other compostable materials.
Applications for Terratek BD include injection-moulded industrial and consumer products such as disposable packaging materials and containers.
Cost effective solution
The firm said the resin could serve as a cost effective solution for creating heat-tolerant, bio-based compostable products compared to similar type resins.
Mike Parker, bioplastics product development and sales manager, said: “The launching of Terratek BD represents another major step in MGP’s ongoing commitment to deliver commercially-viable product offerings that help reduce reliance on conventional petroleum-based plastics.
“It provides an ideal alternative for multiple applications wherein the manufacture of fully compostable products is highly desirable.
“We view this as a significant breakthrough in that it can open new doors for the development of end-user products that maintain their physical integrity under moderate to high heat conditions.”
The material can be used in other injection-moulded applications including durable products that can benefit from being compostable at the end of their lifespan, Parker added.
Easy integration
The smooth, white, pellet-size resins can be easily processed, shaped and coloured by finished goods manufacturers to meet their specific product designs and needs, claim the firm.
Mark Kocour, bioplastics general manager at MGP, said: “In addition to the excellent heat tolerance displayed by these new resins, they possess outstanding mechanical qualities, including strength and a rare combination of rigidity and pliability.
“This bolsters our confidence in their ability to be effectively applied toward the manufacture of a growing range of biodegradable consumer packaged goods that are both highly practical and environmentally-friendly.”
In its Q2 results reported last month, MGP revealed it is participating in an externally funded project to find innovative ways to produce cost-competitive bio-based foams, plastics, and other materials from distillers dried grains and soluables.