Kaneka Trials Production System for 100% Plant Based Biopolymer Product
Tokyo, May 14, 2011 (JCN) - Kaneka Corporation, based in Osaka, has set up a trial production system at the Takasago Plant in Hyogo Prefecture for a new plant oil based polyester biopolymer product to be marketed as Kaneka Biopolymer AONILEX(R). Annual production capacity will be approximately 1,000 tons.
Kaneka will use the trial production system to develop innovative production technology and processes for AONILEX products, in combination with new product applications and experimental sales programs.
The Company plans to boost production capacity incrementally over several years in line with feedback from the market, with a view to achieving annual production of 10,000 tons and turnover of 10 billion yen or more.
AONILEX is biodegradable yet strongly resistant to heat and hydrolysis and can act as a barrier to water vapor. It is the first ever 100% plant-based biopolymer to offer both flexibility and heat resistance. It exhibits a range of properties from hardness through to softness as well as a number of key characteristics of polyethylene and polypropylene materials.
Kaneka is refining resin mixes and molding processes in a bid to further improve the strength and tear resistance of packaging films, especially agricultural mulch films and composting bags. The Company intends to aggressively pursue marketing opportunities in high-durability molded products such as bottles and containers, auto interiors and electrical equipment.
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