The international plastics industry has taken a bold step forward
to develop eco-friendly polymers in a bid to ensure a “green” future for next generations. Bioplastics is the term used for plastic materials produced from renewable biological sources such as vegetable oil, corn starch and cellulose, rather than traditional plastics which are derived from petroleum.
The term bioplastics should not be confused with biodegradable. Bio-based plastics are plastics that are obtained from at least 20% renewable raw materials. Bio-degradable is used for specially modified petro-chemical-based plastics which appear to bio-degrade.
Though in its infancy, the importance of bioplastics is increasing rapidly and these materials are becoming more widely used either as a direct replacement for traditional plastics or as blends with traditional plastics. Many manufacturers in the plastics industry are pro-actively driving bioplastic research and development and consumers are becoming more willing to invest in these bio-based alternatives.
With a proven track record of responsible environmental practices and leading edge polymer solutions, DOTMAR is proud to introduce the new range of ECOGEHR Bioplastics that includes 9 different “green” materials based on PLA, cellulose, wood fibers or castor oil. Dotmar can assist with applications advice, product selection and custom delivery programmes for these “green” polymers.
PLA BASED MATERIALS PLA (polylactic acid) is a renewable raw material. The materials are biologically degradable. Materials made from PLA display good thermal insulation properties and good resistance to polar solvents. PLA based materials consume 65% less fossil fuels when produced and 80% less green house emissions.
 ECOGEHR® PLA-N Good mechanical properties. High rigidity, physiologically harmless.
ECOGEHR® PLA-L Contains amount of lignin, natural fatty acids and waxes. Good mechanical properties. High rigidity, good impact strength to -30ºC. Physiologically harmless.
ECOGEHR® PLA-V High toughness, good thermal insulation. Variable elasticity.
ECOGEHR® PLA-WFA Composite of polylactic acid and wood fibers. High mechanical strength, due to the excellent bond with the wood fibers to the polymer. |
CELLULOSE BASED MATERIALS
 ECOGEHR® C-L A mixture of cellulose, natural fibers, lignin and fatty acids. This material is made of 100% renewable raw materials and is biologically degradable.
- High general strength
- Good impact strength
- High stiffness and modulus of elasticity up to 4248MPa
- Machinable similar to wood
Polyamides made from renewable raw materials bases on castor oil.
 ECOGEHR® PA 6.10 Low density,good impact strength, low water absorption and dimensionally stable.
ECOGEHR® PA 11 Excellent thermal, physical, chemical and mechanical properties. Good cold impact strength up to -40ºC, very low water absorption.
WOOD-PLASTIC COMPOSITES - WPC
Composites manufactured using a combination of standard plastic and wood fibers. As a result of the excellent bond of plastics to wood fibers, the materials display high mechanical strength. These materials are suitable for outdoor use and machining is similar to that of normal wood. Anti-bacterial grades available.
 ECOGEHR® WPC-30PP 30% PP and 70% wood fibers.
ECOGEHR® WPC-50PVC 50% PVC and 50% wood fibers. |
