Minerals Technologies (New York, New York / USA; www.mineralstech.com) has launched a line of engineered mineral additives for bioplastics such as PLA and PHA. The additives are designed to reinforce bioplastic-based consumer disposables such as packaging, food and beverage service ware, gift cards, films and bags.

Branded “EMforce” Bio, “UltraTalc” 609 and “MicroTuff” AGD 609, the products provide a cost-effective method for enhancing the performance and improve processing throughput of bioplastic compounds, the company says.

EMforce Bio improves the impact resistance and ductility of biopolymers such as PLA and PHA, and also provides down-gauging capability in thermoforming sheets, Minerals Technologies claims. UltraTalc 609 and MicroTuff AGD 609 are nucleating agents for semi-crystalline biopolymers that increase the modulus, or stiffness, and melt strength of bioplastics containing PLA and PHA. The products will be available from Specialty Minerals (www.specialtyminerals.com), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Minerals Technologies.