Plastics Engineering - May 2014 - (Page 27)

as of now, Kingfa has successfully developed two series of fully biodegradable and bio-based plastics, with a total of ten grades available under the trademark EcoPond. this product family involves technologies such as the synthesis and reactive extrusion of polyester resins, as well as alloy modification and different processing methods for applications. Kingfa said its materials comply with the En 13432 standard, arguably the most stringent biodegradability standard in Europe. in general, it requires biodegradation (oxygen consumption and production of cO2) of 90% of a material within 180 days, with material fragments having no adverse impact on plant growth. Ecomann's Mulch Film also committed to the promotion of biodegradable mulch films is Ecomann Biotechnology. since May 2012, the company has cooperated with local governments to introduce fully biodegradable plastics mulch in various plantations in shandong province by means of sales subsidies. these plantations include seven villages and towns in Zoucheng city, peanut plantations in Feizui county, garlic growing in Jinxiang county, and the Qufu Development Zone. in addition, Ecomann has adopted a scheme to integrate testing, demonstration, and promotion activities in shandong province. the aim is to study in phases the feasibility in planting different types of crops in the province. the Zoucheng city agriculture Bureau released a report on mulch film for peanut cultivation testing in October 2012. the result said that Ecomann's fully biodegradable mulch film enhances thermal enhancement, soil water preservation, and seedling growth promotion-functions similar to conventional plastics mulch. Moreover, its biodegradable property helps to partially adjust air humidity and nutrient change in soil. such indirect control over the course of peanut growth facilitates a better coordinated nutrient and earlier maturing crops, thereby improving economic benefits. Ecomann's fully biodegradable mulch film makes use of industrial genetic engineering technology for the direct synthesis of materials inside the body of microorganisms. the company has already commenced a production line comprising raw material production and modification processes. the technology is a biotechnology special research project under china's 863 program (or state High-tech Development Plan, established in March 1986). Fully biodegradable and exhibiting good mechanical properties, Ecomann's polyhy- Ecomann's fully biodegradable mulch film makes use of industrial genetic engineering technology for the direct synthesis of materials inside the body of microorganisms. " droxyalkanoate (PHa) biodegradable materials fulfill the requirements of En 13432 and received the OK compost Home certificate in Europe. Achieving a "Green Cycle" through the current projects in shandong province, Ecomann hopes to take a multi-faceted leading role in the development of the biodegradable mulch film industry. it also hopes to enhance the knowledge of all levels of government departments on biodegradable plastics, in order to guide and promote the establishment of related policies. By strengthening the awareness of the public and potential customers, spreading eco-friendly philosophies, and shaping consumers' concepts, Ecomann strives to have everything prepared for its next step-the local production of biodegradable plastics. Kingfa also emphasizes that the use of fully biodegradable mulch films will definitely promote development and innovation in the chemistry industry, film processing industry, and agricultural sector. it will, in turn, give a boost to the further advancement in "green" plastic mulch. Note: This article was originally prepared for the April issue of china Plastic & rubber Journal (www.adsalecprj.com), whose editors offered it to Plastics Engineering. www.plasticsengineering.org | www.4spe.org | MaY 2014 | Plastics EnginEEring | 27 http://www.adsalecprj.com http://www.plasticsengineering.org http://www.4spe.org

Plastics Engineering - May 2014

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