Feiplastic ’19: BASF highlights ecovio compostable resin

SAO PAULO (ICIS)–During Feiplastic, BASF highlighted its biodegradable and compostable plastic, called ecovio, which it is marketing to meet new bag regulations in Uruguay and sustainability trends in Brazil, officials said on Thursday.

The material is made from polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), said Murilo de Barros Feltran, BASF product management & marketing manager, performance materials – South America. He made his comments on the sidelines of the Feiplastic trade show.

PLA is made from lactic acid, which is produced by fermenting sugars, he said. PBAT is made by a combination of renewable and nonrenewable feedstock.

The material is now being used to make bags in Uruguay, said Jefferson Schiavon, BASF director of performance materials for South America. The country recently adopted regulations that require bags to be biodegradable and compostable.

The material is also being used to make single-use cups in Brazil, he said. Although the country lacks regulations requiring ecovio’s use in cups, several companies are adopting voluntary initiatives that are encouraging them to use biodegradable materials.

“We see it as a market opportunity,” Schiavon said.

The Feira Internacional do Plastic (Feiplastic) takes place on 22-26 April in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Click here to see regulatory targets and a list of chemical and mechanical recyclers on the ICIS Circular Economy topic page.

Interview article by Al Greenwood