Donald R. Allen
Brigham Young University, USA
Title: An introduction to BiologiQ, Inc.’s EcoStarch Resin (ESR) – a new and improved type of Thermoplastic Starch for the New Plastics Economy
Biography
Biography: Donald R. Allen
Abstract
BiologiQ’s EcoStarch Resin (ESR) is a new type of thermoplastic starch (TPS) resin completely derived from renewable sources. This new ESR resin confers the benefits of thermoplastic starch resins, yet overcomes the challenges that have typically prevented widespread acceptance of TPS resins in the marketplace. The characteristics of ESR that make it unique will be presented. These characteristics include the ability to easily blend ESR with other polymers on existing process equipment, so that significant renewable content can be added to films and injection molded parts. The presentation will show that the addition of ESR can improve film mechanical properties, allowing for additional downgauging beyond traditional levels. The inclusion of ESR in LLDPE films increases the degradation rate of LLDPE films alone, as shown by test studies. The low cost of BiologiQ’s EcoStarch Resin in combination with its renewability, degradability and recyclability, and its ability to be blended easily into polymers provides a strategic advantage to plastics manufacturers worldwide.