Kaneka Starts New Biopolymers Division
Kaneka Americas Holding, Inc. announced on Tuesday the establishment of the new Houston-based Biopolymers Division.
PHBH (a copolymer of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyhexanoate) from Kaneka is a plant-based product offering flexibility as well as heat resistance. It is produced through a novel process of bio-fermentation using renewable plant oils as feed stock.
PHBH are bio-based and bio-compostable in aerobic, anaerobic or marine environments, and also highly heat-resistant and can act as a barrier to water vapor. Given the right conditions, the products will start to biodegrade under anaerobic, aerobic or marine conditions in the natural environment.
PHBH has been approved by the FDA for Food Contact and is suitable for all products for food packaging. PHBH can be formed into many products such as cups, cutlery, food trays, plates etc. Since 2011, Kaneka has been manufacturing PHBH and is currently expanding its facilities in Takasago, Japan.
Kaneka hopes to find an alternative to the current single-use plastic products as the company recognizes the need to bring a plant-based product to market that will help reduce pollution from the ocean and landfill. It is estimated that around 8 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year, creating a massive environmental problem in the oceans of the world.
Source: Kaneka
