D&L Polymer and Colours (DLPC), a subsidiary of D&L Industries (Manila / Philippines; www.dnl.com.ph) has signed an agreement with Showa Denko (Tokyo / Japan; www.sdk.co.jp) to produce and distribute "Bionolle Starcia" biodegradable and compostable starch. D&L told local media that the material constitutes a suitable alternative to non-biodegradable plastics used for bags. The agreement also includes the compounding, manufacture and distribution of "Bionolle Starcla" within the Philippines, reports indicate. The starch-based biopolymer fully decomposes after one or two months of bacterial exposure and is often used for compost, garbage and shopping bags. Bionolle Starcla can also be used to make thin film laminates to reinforce paper bags and cups.

D&L executive vice-president Alvin Lao told media that while Showa Denko's strength lies in material technologies development, D&L is able to offer large-scale production facilities. The Philippino group plans to produce "Bionolle Starcla" at its 50,000 t/y plant in Canlubang, Laguna for an initial period of one year, due to expire on 19 November 2013. Output will go both toward local use and export to Showa Denko for international marketing and distribution. "'Bionolle Starcla' will breathe new life into the plastics industry, which has lost almost 40% of its business to bans,” Lester Lao, DLPC managing director, told local media. Several major cities in the Philippines last year imposed bans on plastic bags – see Plasteurope.com of 29.06.2012.