German bioplastics specialist FKuR (Willich; www.fkur.de) has developed a new technology for producing compounds that can be processed into flexible packaging films with low thickness and high puncture resistance. It has launched two new blends based on this technology as part of its “Bio-Flex” range of biodegradable plastics. The blends are suitable for food contact, processing is similar to that for PE and the renewable content is more than 50%.

FKuR says the new Bio-Flex FX 1130 blend complements its previous standard compound Bio-Flex F 1130, but while films made of conventional F 1130 have a paper-like touch, the FX quality provides a silky surface. Films produced with this blend also have an increased tensile strength, puncture and tear resistance, allowing film thicknesses of as low as 8 microns.

Bio-Flex FX 1120 is particularly suitable for very thin bags such as bio-waste bags, the company says. The blend provides increased water resistance compared to starch blends, and permits a high retention of moisture that originates during the decomposition of organic products in bio-bags.

“Aside from the use of renewable resources, material reduction is an essential pillar on the road to achieving greater sustainability,” says Julian Schmeling, head of development at FKuR. He notes that in conventional polyolefin films, developing thinner films has been a trend for quite some time, but with films made from biodegradable resins, thicknesses are between 18 and 26 microns. “Thanks to the use of novel polymeric additive systems and an adapted compounding process, FKuR now provides converters with the possibility to follow the trend using bioplastics and combine significant material savings along with compostability,” he adds.