Partnership results in PLA breakthrough

Published: 28-Jan-2009

A strategic partnership between lactic acid specialist PURAC and Amsterdam-based industrial company AkzoNobel has developed additives for the production of poly lactic acid (PLA), a bioplastic made from biorenewable, carbohydrate-based raw materials.


A strategic partnership between lactic acid specialist PURAC and Amsterdam-based industrial company AkzoNobel has developed additives for the production of poly lactic acid (PLA), a bioplastic made from biorenewable, carbohydrate-based raw materials.

Created using organic peroxide technology, the additives are said to play an important role in controlling the polymerisation by which PLA is processed. Under the new process, AkzoNobel’s organic peroxides selectively switch off polymerisation catalysts improving the PLA polymer’s quality and stability, which results in PLA that is more stable in melt processing, has consistent flow properties and maintains a positive environmental profile.

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