PLASTIX in Lemvig Denmark, a plastics recycling company dedicated to mechanically recycling post-use maritime fibers such as fishing nets and ropes, has formed an Alliance Partnership with nano technology and bio composite experts Titan Bioplastics, USA. Their collaborative agenda, to create sustainable circular economy initiatives for a new generation of ‘Super Plastics,’ in compliance of forthcoming plastic mandates throughout the EU.
“The goal here” says Hans Axel Kristensen, CEO of PLASTIX, “is to increase the content of recycled plastics in basically all products to meet the requirements of the New Circular Plastics Economy, not just by recycling plastic waste, but additionally ensuring these materials are on par with virgin materials, making them applicable for a multitude of uses, including food contact packaging.”
PLASTIX is a distinguished frontrunner in the plastics recycling industry and a unique solution provider for one of the most challenging plastic waste streams, fishing nets and ropes, that would otherwise end up in landfill or the ocean. PLASTIX’ recycled product, OceanIX, is available today for a wide range of applications and additionally represents a strong branding narrative for companies looking to implement green strategies by reducing the environmental footprint of their products. “We use the term Green Plastics, not for their color but rather to signify their sustainability and preventive action against ocean plastic waste” says Hans Axel Kristensen.
Titan Bioplastics’ proprietary Titan Nanofill™ is a USA FDA food contact approved mineral additive supporting physical barrier properties which can be uploaded into a variety of polymers. Small loading rates of Titan Nanofill™ can potentially provide 100% increase in barrier properties in polymers, blocking moisture, oxygen and some UV. Additionally, Titan Nanofill™ prevents leaching, and when blended with plastics during recycling, prevents other plastics from leaching as well.
“We see this as an advancement to many packaging solutions, as well as a serious technology contender supporting companies working to adapt production towards directives by the European Commission and the Extended Producer Responsibility Act,” says Tanya Hart, CEO of Titan Bioplastics.
The European Commission has established mandates and timelines with an emphasis on recycled plastics and their uses, in order to encourage and support the manufacturing and uses of recycled plastics to protect the environment. It sets a 90% collection target for plastic bottles by 2029, and it mandates that plastic bottles be made of at least 25% recycled plastic by 2025 and 30% by 2030.
In the European Union, recycled plastics and additives can only be used in food and beverage packaging if they are first reviewed by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) for safety. Recycling companies submit applications to individual countries, which apply to the EFSA on their behalf.
“Technologies and solutions advancing the plastics industry towards a circular economy, are imperative” says Kristensen “and companies like PLASTIX and Titan Bioplastics, will lead by working collaboratively with companies on targeted solutions for their plastic applications, supporting changes for the upcoming EU mandates”.
Titan Bioplastics was recently recommended by European ‘Startus Magazine’, as one of 4 top companies out of 97 globally reviewed, able to provide barrier properties and UV degradation protection in polymers.
Nano technology is not a new innovation, it was widely tested around a decade ago, and eventually discarded as a non-viable additive into polymers. What changed?
“Although this technology was tried and commercialized unsuccessfully a while ago” says David Abecassis, Director of Technology for Titan Bioplastics, who is actually the first scientist to invent a nano organoclay in a continuous batch process, “ours is a differentiator and one we are able to master and prove”.
It was the Titan Nanofill™ barrier test with PLASTIX recycled materials, which convinced them of the potential success of the technology and its added benefits into a variety of polymers and programs. Titan Bioplastics additionally produces customized compostable Bioplastic composites and works with a variety of nano materials including Graphene.
PLASTIX, innovators in their own right, collaborate closely with brand-owners and converters to provide customized recycled raw materials to customers worldwide, supporting the transition into a New Circular Plastics Economy and the global megatrend of sustainability.
For more information please contact:
Fenella Metz
Business Development & Project Manager – PLASTIX Denmark
M: +45 54 55 55 05
fenella@plastixglobal.com
Jennifer Smith
Client Relations & Project Manager -Titan Bioplastics – USA
M: +1425-614-6066
jsmith@titanbioplastics.com
