|
|
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- What is PLA?
PLA stands for `polylactic acid´ or polylactide. PLA is a thermoplastic polyester, produced from renewable agricultural resources (see glossary).
|
