Thermoplastic – Most affordable PHA originating from the United States 26-02-2024 - Arhive
- PET Feedstocks – Repol gets certification for recycled content for a polyamide grade 12-02-2024
- New enzyme technology for environmentally friendly plastic recycling
Film recycling company Myplas ceases production mere weeks after its grand opening
Film recycling initiative Myplas USA Inc., touted for its $30 million investment and prominent backers, has ceased production shortly after its inauguration, reportedly to restructure its operations. Despite garnering support from industry giants like General Mills Inc., Target Corp., Schwan’s Co., and Charter Next Generation, which saw it as a crucial step in closing the loop on plastic waste, the plant in Rogers, Minn., has halted its activities.
The project, championed by MBOLD, a consortium affiliated with the Minneapolis St. Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership, received backing from various sectors, including the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and Closed Loop Partners, who provided debt financing. Thermoplastic Res
However, recent visits to the facility revealed no signs of operational activity, leaving stakeholders puzzled. Attempts to reach Myplas and MBOLD for clarification proved futile. Myplas board Chairman Peter Shippen acknowledged the situation, expressing the company’s dedication to the concept of a circular economy but refrained from elaborating on the operational status.
Myplas, a subsidiary of South Africa-based Myplas Pty Ltd., commenced operations with much fanfare in December, with CEO Andrew Pieterse expressing optimism about the venture’s prospects.
The company had ambitious goals, aiming to recycle nearly 90 million pounds of plastic annually and create significant employment opportunities.
However, the current pause in operations casts uncertainty on the realization of these aspirations.
Most affordable PHA originating from the United States
Danimer Scientific, a leading bioplastics manufacturer based in the United States, recently completed a significant expansion at its Rochester facility, employing an innovative thermocatalytic process known for its enhanced efficiency compared to traditional fermentation methods.
Having acquired fellow American company Novomer three years prior, Danimer gained access to crucial patents pertaining to the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), along with ownership of a pilot plant located in Rochester, New York. This facility underwent a strategic expansion aimed at bolstering the production capacity of its Rinnovo brand biopolymers, facilitating extensive application development and customer testing. The upgraded unit now boasts a production capacity of 20 tonnes per year, a significant leap from its previous output of one tonne per year.
The expansion initiative encompassed various enhancements, including the enlargement of the carbonylation reactor, installation of three additional distillation towers, augmentation of the polymerization reactor, and integration of a polymer drying unit. Notably, the Rinnovo PHA stands out for its unique synthesis process, relying on thermocatalysis rather than biomass fermentation. This approach not only slashes production costs upon scaling but also streamlines construction and operational processes.
Utilizing the innovative Novo22 technology, the production involves selective catalysis to convert ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide into lactone monomers, followed by ring-opening polymerization to yield high molecular weight poly(3-hydroxypropionate) (p(3HP)).
This biopolymer exhibits properties such as enhanced barrier performance, superior elongation, and a lower melting temperature compared to conventional PHAs in the market. Through these advancements, Danimer Scientific aims to revolutionize the landscape of sustainable polymer production while catering to evolving market demands.