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FAQ

On this page we have compiled FAQs for our product families BIO-FLEX^®, BIOGRADE^® and FIBROLON^®. 

Should you have any further questions then please contact us. (Contact Birgit von Hansen)

Changes in nomenclature

FAQ Bio-Flex®

1. What are the main characteristics of BIO-FLEX^®?
   
   BIO-FLEX^® F 1130 and F 1110 have mechanical properties comparable to LDPE. When compared to BIO-FLEX^® F 1130, BIO-FLEX^® F 2110 has a higher stiffness and the mechanical properties more comparable to HDPE. Films made from BIO-FLEX^® A 4100 CL are transparent and are similar to films made from PP.
   
   
   
2. What are the preferred applications for BIO-FLEX^®?
   
   BIO-FLEX^® F 1130, F 1110 and F 2110 are recommended for the production of carrier or shopping bags, waste bags, flexible packaging film and air pillows/bubble wrap, as well as for the production of agricultural and mulch film. Fruit and vegetable nets are generally made from BIO-FLEX^® F 2110 and F 1130. Injection moulded products, such as writing utensils and other promotional articles, can be made from BIO-FLEX^® F 6510.
   
   
   
3. What are the main advantages of BIO-FLEX^® when compared to other bioplastics?
   
   BIO-FLEX^® is distinguished by a wide processing window and short batch to batch changeover cycles. For improved mixing, for example when including pigments, the extrusion temperature can be adjusted to higher values than with other bioplastics. BIO-FLEX^® does not contain any plasticizers which can create voids during processing and are less sensitive to humidity than for example bioplastics based on starch. In addition, films made from BIO-FLEX^® have a good feel.
   
   
   
4. Is BIO-FLEX^® approved for food contact?
   
   BIO-FLEX^® F 1130, F 2110, F 6510 and BIO-FLEX^® A 4100 CL are all approved for contact with food.
   
   
   
5. Is BIO-FLEX^® certified as compostable material according to EN 13 432?
   
   BIO-FLEX^® F 1130,  F 1110, F 2110, F 6510 and BIO-FLEX^® A 4100 CL are registered and certified as compostable material by DIN Certco. BIO-FLEX^® F 1130, F 2110 and A 4100 CL have the “OK Compost“ certificate from AIB-Vinçotte and the American BPI according to ASTM D6400.
   
   
   
6. Are films and other finished products made from BIO-FLEX^® automatically certified according to EN 13 432 or ASTM D6400?
   
   No! Films or injection moulded parts made from BIO-FLEX^® are not automatically certified according to EN 13432 or ASTM D6400. Each converter who wants to use the compostability mark for their products made from BIO-FLEX^® must apply for certification for his films or parts at DIN Certco or AIB-Vinçotte (for EN 13432) or at BPI (for ASTM D6400). Such a certificate is valid only for the finished product of the tested thickness.
   
   
   
7. Does BIO-FLEX^® contain harmful substances?
   
   No! FKuR develops produces and markets its BIO-FLEX^® grades in conformity with the relevant laws, e. g. Council Directive 67/548/EEC.
   
   
   
8. Is it possible to print and colour films made from BIO-FLEX^®?
   
   Films made from BIO-FLEX^® can be printed without any corona treatment using offset printing or flexoprinting. Bio-based masterbatches can be used for colouring without any problems. Both solvent based inks or non-solvent based inks can be used for printing.
   
   
   
9. What equipment is necessary for processing BIO-FLEX^®?
   
   BIO-FLEX^® can be processed on conventional blown film lines without having to adjust screws, dies or downstream equipment. BIO-FLEX^® F 6510 can be processed on conventional injection moulding machines. However, the use of hot runners is not recommended as bioplastics  generally tend to degrade with long residence times and high temperatures. BIO-FLEX^® F 6510 has already successfully been used in ABS injection moulding machines. Blow moulding of BIO-FLEX^® F 6510 is possible in standard PE or PP machinery without any difficulty.
   
   
   
10. What is the processing temperature of BIO-FLEX^®?
    
    BIO-FLEX^® compounds have a processing temperature in the range of 165 to 190 °C melt temperature.
    
    
    
11. What are the storage conditions for BIO-FLEX^® in original packaging?
    
    BIO-FLEX^® should be stored dry, frost-free and below 30 °C. Provided that the packaging is unopened and remains undamaged, the storage time under these conditions is 6 months.
    
    
    
12. Does BIO-FLEX^® need to be dried before processing?
    
    It is possible to process the material directly if residual moisture is below 0.2 %. Depending on the storage conditions, it may be necessary to test the residual moisture content and dry the material at 60 °C for 4 – 6 hours. However, long drying times and high temperatures can lead to degradation of the material. 
    
    
    
13. Is it possible to feedback BIO-FLEX^® trim and scrap film?
    
    Yes, BIO-FLEX^® can be recycled. We recommend a maximum of 20 % feedback when combined with virgin material. However, we suggest that our customers conduct their own trials.
    
    
    
14. What is the recommended waste management for BIO-FLEX^®?
    
    BIO-FLEX^® waste is disposed of preferably in industrial composting facilities (following the local regulations). Alternatively landfill or incineration are also possible.
    
    
    
15. What is PLA?
    
    PLA stands for `polylactic acid´ or polylactide. PLA is a thermoplastic polyester, produced from renewable agricultural resources (see glossary).
    
    
    

FAQ Biograde®

1. What are the main characteristics of BIOGRADE^®?
   
   BIOGRADE^® was designed as a biodegradable alternative to polystyrene and has similar mechanical characteristics.
   
   
   
2. What are the preferred applications for BIOGRADE^®?
   
   Preferred applications are injection moulded parts such as writing utensils, disposable cutlery, cups and bottles.
   
   
   
3. What are the main advantages of BIOGRADE^® when compared to other bioplastics?
   
   With a heat distortion temperature (Vicat A) of 118 °C and 110 °C, BIOGRADE^® C 9550 and BIOGRADE^® C 7500 exceed the values of standard polystyrene and most of the other bioplastics. Moreover, BIOGRADE^® has a wide temperature processing range.
   
   
4. Is BIOGRADE^® approved for the contact with food?
   
   BIOGRADE^® C 9550 and C 7500 are certified for contact with food.
   
   
   
5. Is BIOGRADE^® certified according to EN 13432?
   
   BIOGRADE^® C 9550 is certified as compostable material according to EN 13432. BIOGRADE^® C 7500 has been tested successfully for biodegradability, however, the long term tests for compostability are still underway. In addition, BIOGRADE^® C 9550 is certified according to ASTM D6400.
   
   
   
6. Does BIOGRADE^® contain harmful substances?
   
   No! Our BIOGRADE^® does not contain harmful additives. Our bioplastics are placed on the market to conform with the relevant laws, e.g. Council Directive 67/548/EEC.
   
   
   
7. What is the processing temperature of BIOGRADE^®?
   
   BIOGRADE^® has a processing temperature in the range 190 °C to 230 °C (melt temperature).
   
   
   
8. What equipment is necessary for processing BIOGRADE^®?
   
   BIOGRADE^® can be processed on conventional injection moulding equipment. However, the use of hot runner systems is not recommended as bioplastics tend to degrade if exposed to long residence times or high temperatures. Depending on the grade, the mould shrinkage of BIOGRADE^® is between 0.35 and 0.70 %. In addition, it is possible to process BIOGRADE^® C 9555 on conventional extrusion cast lines to produce thermoformable sheet.
   
   
   
9. What are the storage conditions for BIOGRADE^® when supplied in original packaging?
   
   BIOGRADE^® should be stored dry and frost-free and below 30°C. Provided that the octabins (including the sealed PE liners) are undamaged the shelf life under these conditions is 6 months.
   
   
   
10. Is it necessary to dry BIOGRADE^® before processing?
    
    Predrying is recommended. It is possible to process the material directly if the residual moisture content is below 0.2 %. Depending on the storage conditions, it may be necessary to test the residual moisture and if this is too high then drying may be required at 60 °C for 4 – 6 hours. A higher drying temperature or long drying time might result in degradation of the material.
    
    
    
11. Is it possible to reprocess BIOGRADE^® scrap?
    
    Yes, in general it is possible to reuse BIOGRADE^® scrap. Experiences from our customers show that it is possible to feedback up to 50 %. However, we suggest that customers carry out their own trials.
    
    
    
12. What is the recommended waste management for BIOGRADE^® residues?
    
    BIOGRADE^® compounds are disposed of preferably in an industrial composting environment. Alternatively landfill or incineration is possible, following the local regulations.
    
    
    
13. What are cellulose and cellulose acetate?
    
    Cellulose is the main component of vegetable cell walls. Technically speaking, cellulose is mostly provided by wood and serves as raw material for the paper industry. By reacting cellulose with acetates, cellulose ester is produced, which is produced as synthetic fibre and, as it is the case with FKuR, as plastic.

FAQ Fibrolon®

1. What are the main characteristics of FIBROLON^®?
   
   FIBROLON^® has a high mechanical resistance and stiffness with low density. It can be processed using different processing methods, for example injection moulding, profile extrusion and deep injection. Whereas the F series is exclusively composed from biodegradable materials, the P series contains a conventional polypropylene as matrix.
   
   
   
2. What are the preferred applications for FIBROLON^®?
   
   FIBROLON^® is recommended for the injection moulding of complex components, but also for the extrusion of profiles, plates and hollow sections. These polymers are also suitable for components such as automotive interiors, stationery, coffins and funeral urns.
   
   
   
3. Is FIBROLON^® F certified as compostable according to EN 13432?
   
   No, to date this certification has not been requested by any customer. The acknowledgement of the combination of biodegradable components and European soft wood has been adequate to date.
   
   
4. Does FIBROLON^® contain harmful components?
   
   No! FKuR places FIBROLON^® on the market in conformity with the relevant laws, e.g. Council Directive 67/548/EEC.
   
   
   
5. What equipment is necessary for the processing of FIBROLON^®?
   
   FIBROLON^® can be processed on conventional injection moulding machinery. However, the use of hot runners is not recommended as bioplastics tend to degrade with extended residence times or high temperatures.
6. What is the processing temperature of FIBROLON^®?
   
   FIBROLON^® compounds have a processing temperature of about 170 °C (melt temperature). Due to the risk of a thermal decomposition of the wood fibre, melt temperatures above 200 °C should be avoided.
   
   
   
7. What are the storage conditions for FIBROLON^® in original packaging?
   
   FIBROLON^® should be stored dry, frost free and below 30 °C.
   
   
   
8. Is it necessary to dry FIBROLON^® before processing?
   
   It is possible to process the material directly if the residual moisture content is below 0.8 %. Depending on the storage conditions, it may be necessary to test the residual moisture and dry the material at 60 °C for 4 – 6 hours (for Fibrolon P the drying temperature can be 80 °C). A high drying temperature or long drying time might result in degradation of the material.
   
   
9. What is the recommended waste management for FIBROLON^® residues?
   
   Following the local regulations, FIBROLON^® can be disposed of by incineration or landfill.
   
   
   
10. Are the wood fibres used for the production of FIBROLON^® coming from sustainable forestry?
    
    
    Yes. Our supplier is certified in a way that his wood products comply with the requirements of the chain of custody of the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes).