api bioplastics

API

API has been working in the research, development and production of customised thermoplastic compound materials and elastomers for a vast range of sectors since 1956, over 50 years aimed at customer satisfaction.

Bio & Beyond is the strategy API has embraced since the development of the first biodegradable APINAT to the complete range of polymers and compounds with a high content of renewable sources. In response to the growing market and consumer needs for sustainable products, API is focused on the development of a wide range of biomaterials designed to reproduce its current products with a biobased version. These products are based on raw materials from renewable natural sources and will contribute to a reduction in CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions as well as in fossil fuels usage, to a better agriculture resources efficiency and finally to the development of the depressed rural areas no longer suitable for foodstuff cultivation.

Bioplastics Product Range

  • Apilon 52

APILON 52 BIO is a bioplastic with a renewable raw material content of between 30 – 40% and with the same quality and processability of traditional oil-based TPU. The APILON 52 BIO series, made from vegetable-based polyols, is divided into the
following grades:

  • APILON 52 AB: TPU plastified polyester with hardnesses in a range between 70 and 85 Shore A (based on ASTM norm D2240) and tensile strength of 20-25 MPa (based on ASTM norm D638).
  • APILON 52 DB: TPU polyester with hardnesses in a range between 20 and 70 Shore D (based on ASTM norm D2240) and tensile strength of 40-45 MPa (based on ASTM norm D638).

APILON 52 BIO compound family can be processed using the injection moulding technology. As a result of its excellent chemical adhesion properties APILON 52 BIO is suited to the production of combination hard-soft products using overmoulding and co-moulding processing

  • Apigo Bio

APIGO BIO is a family of ole n based compounds (TPO) with a certain content of raw materials from renewable sources that guarantee the same physical and mechanical characteristics and processability as traditional TPOs derived from synthetic sources. The family includes grades that cover a wide range of mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity between 100 to 1200 MPa – ASTM D790). In addition, there are also grades suitable for applications for food contact which comply with the European 10/2011/EC standard.The compounds of the APIGO BIO family can be processed with conventional technologies such as injection, extrusion and blow moulding. The use of renewable raw materials offers both a reduced carbon footprint and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, in particular CO2, thanks to their originating partially or entirely from renewable sources. This represents a real contribution to environmental sustainability.

  • Apinat Bio

The APINAT BIO family includes a wide range of biodegradable thermoplastic compounds in accordance with EN 13432/EN 14995 & US ASTM D6400 standards. APINAT BIO products lead the bioplastics market for their physical-mechanical characteristics (see following table) as well as for the wide range of grades available, which include:

  • HARD with hardnesses in the range 35- 78 Shore D (based on ASTM D2240 standards) and  exural modulus in the range 100-3000 MPa (based on
    ASTM D790 standards).
  • SOFT with hardnesses in the range 57-90 Shore A (based on ASTM D2240
    standards) and  exural modulus in the range 45-110 MPa (based on ASTM
    D790 standards).

The  exibility and softness of APINAT BIO series products means that it is absolutely unique when compared to other bioplastics available on the market: APINAT BIO has an international patent. APINAT BIO products are suitable for the production of disposable as well as durable goods and can be processed using the same technology used for traditional plastics: injection moulding, extrusion, blow-moulding and calendering.

As a result of its excellent chemical adhesion properties APINAT BIO is suited to the production of 100% biodegradable combination hard-soft products using overmoulding and co-moulding processing. APINAT BIO is supplied in neutral-coloured granulated form. In order to respond to the widest possible range of colouration needs, atoxic biodegradable masterbatches with zero heavy metal or other dangerous substance content are available in accordance with EN 13432 standards.

  • Apinat F Bio

APINAT F family represents the extension of the APINAT BIO series of products particularly suitable for  lm extrusion with both blown and cast technologies. Along with total biodegradability, the grades of APINAT F combine excellent rheological characteristics that allow these polymers to be used in conventional extrusion systems. Films produced with grades of APINAT F have superb puncture and tear resistance. In addition, excellent weldability, printability and low odour make APINAT F family the reference material for the production of shopping bags destined to large retailers and the collection of organic waste. Grades suitable for food contact are also available, as well as “OK Compost” certified biodegradable and compostable in accordance with EN 13432 issued by Vincotte.

 

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