In Poland, an innovative polymer composition created in the Department of Polymers Technology at the GUT Faculty of Chemistry allows the production of ecological, biodegradable single-use cutlery. One of the first products created with this composition and ready for implementation are disposable cutlery. Technological tests involving prototype production on an industrial scale were carried out in cooperation with a company interested in introducing this solution, proving that the composition is more heat resistant than products made only of PLA.
“Our biopolymers are created with easily accessible raw materials, which are either natural or produced from renewable sources. This is already a significant advantage over commonly used petroleum products”, explains Prof. Helena Janik, head of the research team. The innovative composition includes components such as thermoplastic starch obtained from potato flour, natural additives and a polymer known as polylactide (PLA).
“Properly selected type and amount of thermoplastic starch modificator mixed with the right PLA composition create recyclable, compostable material, ensuring the required physical and mechanical properties of the product”, Prof. Janik adds.
“Thanks to adding cheap thermoplastic starch to PLA, the price of 1 kg of our composition is 15% lower than the cost of polylactide itself, while the entire production method is very easy to introduce”, assures Maciej Sienkiewicz, PhD Eng., co-creator of the technology.