The „Bio-based Material of the Year 2017“ innovation prize was awarded to three innovative materials in specific applications. The winners include a packaging material made from waste materials from BIO-LUTIONS (DE) and the new paper carrier bag from PAPTIC® (FI).
The competition honours current developments in the bio-based economy that were or will be launched on the market in 2016 or 2017. The winners were selected by the participants of the tenth „International Conference on Bio-based Materials“ in Cologne. As in the previous year, the prize is sponsored by InfraServ GmbH & Co. Knapsack KG, service provider for plant construction and operator of the Hürth-Knapsack Chemical Park.
The annual „International Conference on Bio-based Materials“ in Cologne has established itself as the Meeting point for manufacturers of bio-based chemicals and materials. This year, almost 200 participants from 25 countries, mainly experts from the chemical and plastics industries, met again to discuss the latest developments in the sector. In addition, 25 exhibitors presented their products and services. The event was organised by the Italian bioplastics producer Novamont sponsored. The conference primarily focussed on special Bio-based solutions with outstanding functionalities and properties. The award winners are good examples of the new generation of bio-based products with improved properties.
Six manufacturers of bio-based solutions were selected and nominated in advance from the applicants by the conference advisory board and experts from the Hürth-based nova-Institute; each presented their innovation to the audience in a 10-minute presentation. The three winners were then chosen by the conference participants. The prizes were awarded at a festive gala dinner in the evening. The winners in detail:
1st place:
BIO-LUTIONS (DE) - Refining agricultural residues into packaging materials http://www.bio-lutions.com
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With its innovative mechanical process, BIO-LUTIONS produces efficient and ecologically sustainable packaging and degradable tableware made from agricultural waste. This is done in co-operation with small farmers from India and China, among others. By processing the residual materials in self-binding natural fibres, can completely dispense with the complex chemical and energy-consuming processes involved in cellulose production. The end products can either be composted under normal conditions, used for biogas production, recycled or even be almost CO2 neutrally burnt. Regional materials, regional production and regional markets - Decentralisation is the key here.
2nd place:
Paptic® (FI): The new paper carrier bag - lighter and stronger http://www.paptic.com
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Paptic® replaces oil-based plastics with bio-based, recyclable and reusable PAPTIC® Materials. PAPTIC® uses wood fibres for the production of a bioplastic composite paper, which combines the respective advantages of paper, plastic and textiles. It can also be processed in the existing paper recycling system. The first PAPTIC® Application are carrier bags, aligned with the EU's target of reducing the use of plastic bags by 55% by 2019. PAPTIC® carrier bags were launched on the market in 2016. The patented PAPTIC® technology is based on a foam moulding technology that requires 30% less energy and allows the production of up to 50% lighter products than in traditional paper production.
3rd place:
Phytowelt GreenTechnologies (DE): High-quality raspberry flavouring with the help of biotechnology http://www.phytowelt.com
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(R)-alpha-Jonone is the main component of raspberry flavour. However, the chemical synthesis not only produces (R)-alpha-ionone, but also (S)-alpha-ionone. The latter has a woody, musty odour and thus impairs the raspberry aroma caused by (R)-alpha-ionone. However, it is difficult to separate the two molecules. Thanks to the process patented by Phytowelt, only the desired R-form can be produced today. Due to the Biotechnological production the raspberry flavour is natural, pure and intensely fragrant. Areas of application are food, drinks, perfumes, medicines, etc. The Phytowelt raspberry fragrance is the first natural fragrance on the market that can be produced competitively in large quantities and high quality. Accordingly, it has a strong competitive advantage.
