COMPOSTABLE
Applications in bioplastics

A sustainable approach for applications concerning single-use plastic items, requires the use of specific polymers having the characteristics to be compostable in peculiar conditions in order to minimize the risk of environmental pollution when they are not properly disposed.

Compostable biopolymers need detailed requirements to fulfil their stringent regulations both for food contact and end-of-life characteristics. In this respect, IMI Fabi offers proven solutions to enhance compostable biopolymers top performance, by respecting degradation times and compost
required properties.

The high talc lamellarity combined with its hydrophobic character and extremely high purity, makes IMI Fabi talc a perfect functional mineral to be used in bioplastic applications. Talc properties can be applicable to all thermoplastic and thermoset polymers too.

A smart way to recover plastics is to transform them into compost. Compost is a mixture of ingredients used as plant fertilizers prepared by decomposing plant, food waste and recycling organic materials. Some polymers are characterized by compostable properties, and they can be mixed with food waste to be treated in their disposable process and become compost. This is the case for many polymers used for single-use applications such as cups, plates, straws, etc., which are typically contaminated after their usage, making simpler their disposing and recovering.
IMI Fabi has developed specific talc grades to be employed in such applications.
In flexible compostable bags, used to carry food and dispose food wastes, talc allows to improve tear resistance making the film stronger. Talc NatFeel® is specifically designed for these types of applications and thanks to its high degree of micronization, it allows the flexible film to retain its elastic properties, improving mechanical resistance. When used at higher loading, talc NatFeel® improves water and oxygen barrier of compostable bioplastics, making easier the design of items addressed to food packaging.

Talc NatFeel® is a perfect modifier for bioplastic rigid applications, suitable for both injection moulding and extruded/thermoformed items. Thanks to its extreme high lamellarity, NatFeel® enhances rigidity making possible the use of very flexible biopolymer for rigid applications such as in plates, cutleries, trays, lids, etc. The extreme purity of NatFeel® makes possible the fulfilment of the most stringent requirements for food contact and composting.

Talc NatFeel® works as nucleating agent in semicrystalline bioplastics such as PLA, PBS, PHA, enabling the development of its maximum properties during the shaping process, for extreme high temperature
operating conditions.

Talc NatFeel® does not negatively affect the properties
of resulting compost, making it suitable as fertilizer.