ABOUT THE GREEN BLOGGER

Dear Doris,

I am currently doing researches on bioplasticizers.
As you are quite well known in the green chemical world, I thought you might have some answers, or ideas where to search. And…I do not know if the following point is a good argument, but my company has subscriptions to ICIS!

So far, I try to understand what is the share of non phthalate plasticizers per PVC applications. You can guess that I am specially interested in Toys, Flooring, Medical, Food…
I am also doing researches on drivers that would make people adopt bioplasticizers. Up to date, performance/price seems to be a limitation. The image of the company seems a much stronger driver. What do you think?

Thank you in advance,

Best regards,

Lucie

Hi Lucie,
Have you tried using the search bar on ICIS.com? Just type in "plasticizer and bio" or "bioplasticizer" and something might come up. This will require a bit more research on my part and unfortunately I am under tight deadlines for the next few days. I will get back to you on this as soon as I can and hopefully will be able to get something for you.

Hopefully there are companies as well reading this that knows more about bioplasticizers and will be able to help.

Best Regards,
Doris

Nothing greener than epoxidized soybean oil plasticizers for PVC!

Doris,
Perhaps a piece on our Sustainability Additives divison within Arkema?

Would be happy to discuss with you.

Peggy Sharp
Arkema, Inc.
Business Director, Packaging & Healthcare
Sustainability Additives
(610) 745-6244

Hi Doris,

What thoughts do you have on thermoformable bio-plastics and what's available out there? We've been working for a few years to find/develop a material/materials that will meet (more of) the needs our customers have, while still remaining ecologically conscious. To date we've had little 'real' success.

As I'm sure you've noticed, many (most?) people want to be "green" so long as the new product is a direct drop-in for what they're currently using, with a minimal upcharge (10% max is the number I keep hearing). Both topics seem to have come to the forefront of late with the price of petroleum dropping a few years ago (gas from $4.00/gal to $2.50/gal [US]) and the majority of bioplastics just not having the capability of matching the physical properties their petro-based counterparts possess.

Again, I'm sure this I all old news to you, but we've worked with several manufacturers to test the usefulness of their materials and have yet to find a truly suitable material for our customers (who use mainly HIPS, PET amd PVC now). I could go into a pretty extensive list of whose materials we've tried to extrude and form, but to let others decide the merit of the 'good', 'bad', or 'ugly' on their own, I won't "throw anyone under the bus" here---your thoughts?

Thanks for the time
My Best
Bob

We have reached a pivotal point in fire safety. Recently, the fire protection industry announced a new generation of fire safety products. Citizens for Fire Safety has worked tirelessly to encourage and promote this next generation of fire retardant products that are safe, effective and environmentally friendly. This groundbreaking move is one of many in the industry’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and fire safety.
This commitment has been hailed by the US Environmental Protection Agency, credited by the International Association of Fire Fighters, and will undoubtedly prove to be the paramount model of sustainable fire safety in the future.
The EPA agreement sets forth a rational, effective transition to newer alternatives, while allowing critical services such as police, fire and airlines to continue to use existing fire safety products that are critically important to saving lives. Proactive fire safety companies have already announced the production of environmentally-friendly fire retardants which minimize the use of raw materials, energy, byproducts and waste. This progressive thinking is largely a result of the efforts of Citizens for Fire Safety and their coalition of supporters across the nation.
As we make this transition, we must remain watchful of legislation that would preemptively ban existing products, leaving communities without adequate fire safety protection. This kind of legislation has been recently considered in states like Maryland, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Alaska, New York and Connecticut. While these states should be commended for their vigilance in the fight for fire safety and environmental health, we believe that the timeline that has been worked out with the EPA is the most appropriate. Let’s trust the scientists of the federal environmental agencies and not act precipitously to put our families and children at risk of serious injury or death. An effective national solution to this critical issue is the only solution that is truly safe.
In order to stay at the forefront of fire safety, Citizens for Fire Safety needs your support. It is our job to keep you informed as an important new generation of fire safety emerges. If you have any questions regarding the EPA announcement, state legislation, or require more information, please do not hesitate to contact Citizens for Fire Safety at 310-310-2616 or info@cffsi.org.

Doris,

Do you know how the Metabolix plant in Iowa was financed? I am trying to get a handle on how the new biorefineries and bio-plastics facilities are being finaniced? Are they project financings? Who are the leading law firms,lenders and infrastructure oriented equity investors, etc.

Kind Regards......Gret Blog!!!

Greg Bohannon
Managing Partner
Greenrock Capital

Is it possible to supply Biofuels to all the automotive vehicles around the world?

Sorry this is a late response but my best guess is no. This is based on conference presentations from major oil firms and several consultants that I've heard over the past year.

According to the International Energy Agency report released this April, biofuels could provide up to 27% of total transport fuel worldwide by 2050.