MUNDOMATERIAL

In early March 2010, the European Union approved a genetically mofidied potato crop to be grown in Europe, the first one since in 1998 Monsanto’s MON 810 maize was approved, which is engineered to be resistant to the European corn-borer caterpillar. The approved potato variety is Amflora, developed by BASF for industrial applications such as lubricants, sprays and animal feed. When the news came out, some people suggested that it was to be used in the production of bioplastics. I always considered a bit risky to used GMO in the production of a product that bases part of its market appeal on environmental benefits and considered that European producers of bioplastics have an advantage over producers elsewhere that do use GMO crops as feedstock. It has to be said that resistance towards GMO is mostly a European concern and that public resistance to them in other world regions is not that high. Naturally produced starch is a combination of amylose and amylopectin, both polymers of glucose.... 
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ANAIP, the Spanish trade association for plastic professionals and COFACO, a consortium of companies transforming rubber, just signed the Foundational Act of the FEITCAP or Federación Española de Industriales de la Transformación de Caucho y Plásticos. ANAIP y COFACO are two of the oldest trade associations in Spain, with 53 and 61 years of existence each. Their decision to join forces has been motivated by the need to reduce the effect of the economic downturn in one of the most important manufacturing sectors in Spain. Plastic and rubber manufacturing decreased by 17% during the first 9 months of 2009. This has to be added to the 12% drop already registered by the segment during 2008. The recently created federation, FEITCAP, represents more than 4,450 companies that directly employ 118,000 people. Its volume of business in 2008 was over 19,000 million euros, i.e 1.8% of Spanish GDP. José Antonio de la Cruz, former President of ANAIP will be the first to preside FEITCAP and José... 
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I’ve been using Twitter (@luciacd) lately and I’ve found a few interesting people there providing info about many of the topics covered here, like bioplastics and other materials.  I’ve collected a small list of twitter users, provided below with links and bios. Many are publising information about materials in a journal or in a blog, so you may want to check their sites too. Others are professionals related to the industry, like consultants, students or associations. 09-11-2009: Just a couple of days after I published this post, Twitter launched its lists, a new feature that allows users to create groups of twitterers with something in common. I’ve created one with contacts related with materials, which I’ve been updating.  You can find my materials list here. @IslemYezza: Packaging innovation and biomaterials @LucAverous: Expert in Bioplastics, Biomaterials and Biobased Materials @EuropaBio: The European Association for Bioindustries @ArgosBiotech: gateway... 
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Note from Lucía: Today’s post is written by guest author Nuno Helder, material specialist currently working as design engineer of flexible composites in the Aerospace Industry. Today I’d like to present the upcoming conference “Biopackaging: From Feedstock to Waste Stream”. This conference, held in London 8-10th September 2009, will be of special interest for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). The event will gather representatives of the whole supply chain of bioplastics, as well as investors, researchers and regulator bodies. On the 8th of September there will be a workshop on the “Principles and Concepts of Biobased and Biodegradable Materials/Plastics”, which should be a splendid opportunity for those new to the subject. The diagram below identifies the type of attendees that will attend this venue or have done so in previous editions. I have gone through the list of previous attendees and all areas are well represented, with the exception of investment institutions.... 
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Traditionally considered a coarse fibre, kenaf is finding its place in the automotive and electronics market thanks to its use as reinforcement in composites. Its combination with PLA, a bioplastic sourced from corn, may illustrate the new focus of materials’ development nowadays. 2009 has been declared by the FAO the International Year of Natural Fibres. This is post is the third in a series dedicated to natural fibres. What is Kenaf? Kenaf, or Hibiscus Cannabinus, belongs to the Malvacean family and producers are based around the globe, although India and China are the major producers. Often compared with jute and hemp, kenaf applications could be classified as it follows: traditional uses, low value: rope, twine, clothing, animal bedding and feed Innovative Applications, medium value: Paper, engineered wood, environmental mat, oil and liquid absorbent material Kenaf Oil: edible oil, can also be used in cosmetics, lubricants and production of biofuel Composite materials, high value:... 
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