Nanoclay additive extends shelf life for packaged food

MATERIALS
elastomers can reduce compound cost and improve microbial to prevent the growth of bacteria, mould and performance where a balance of flexibility, impact fungi on protected surfaces. NBM’s products are puri- fied and modified nanoclay additives for applications in In addition to polymer modification applications, the polymers, resins and bioplastics. They are available in new grades can be used as interfacing layers with PE and PP structures, and are said to be ideal for use as a seal- Founded in 2004 by Dr Jose Maria Lagaron to combine ing layer in coextruded structures. Typical applications technologies from the fields of nanotechnology, plastics include calendered or extruded sheet/profiles, extrusion reinforcement and bio-based materials, NBM operates coating, nonwovens and injection or blow moulded a 2500 tonnes/year (5.5 million lbs) capacity plant in goods. ‘The addition of these grades to the Vistamaxx Valencia and is completing a second facility there with elastomer portfolio further increases the ability of com- annual capacity of some 4000 tonnes (9 million lbs). pounders and converters to develop innovative solutions and tailor properties to better meet the needs of many Contact:
applications’, says Lynell Maenza, specialty elastomers NanoBioMatters, Parque Tecnologico, Calle Louis Pasteur 11, Asia Pacific market manager, ExxonMobil Chemical.
Nave 6, 46980 Paterna, Spain. Tel: +34 96 131 8628, In other recent company news, groundbreaking has taken place for ExxonMobil’s Technology Centre in Shanghai, China. The company say the centre represents an important part of its continued business growth in Roquette receives sustainability
China and will enhance the delivery of innovative solu-tions to customers in the region. The new 27 000 m2 prize for ‘natural’ plasticizer
facility will be built and operated by ExxonMobil Asia French starch and derivatives specialist Roquette
Pacific Research & Development Co Ltd. The initial has been awarded the 2009 Pierre Potier prize
investment in the centre and related equipment is US$70 for the launch of POLYSORB® ID 37, a new high-
million. The facility will house laboratories and product performance plasticizer made from natural products.
demonstration facilities, providing applications technical Created in 2006 on the initiative of France’s Ministry
service and a range of application development capabili- for the Economy, Finance and Industry, this annual
ties for ExxonMobil’s polymer products and plasticizers. chemical industry prize rewards those who commit
Initial employment will be approximately 200 people. to innovation for sustainable development.
The facility is expected to be operational in 2010.
POLYSORB ID 37 is composed of isosorbide diesters produced from fatty acids of vegetable origin and iso- Contact:
sorbide obtained by simple modification (dehydration) ExxonMobil Chemical Co, Houston, TX, USA. of a derivative of glucose, sorbitol. It is therefore entirely Tel: +1 281 870 6000, Web: www.exxonmobilchemical.com produced from renewable (bio-based) natural products, Roquette says. According to the company, isosorbide diesters have excellent plasticizing properties for PVC and Nanoclay additive extends shelf
represent a non-toxic and biodegradable alternative to the phthalates conventionally used for the manufacture of flex- life for packaged food
ible PVC. Compared to other phthalate-free plasticizers NanoBioMatters Industries (NBM), a Spanish
(adipates, acetylated monoglycerides, citrates) POLYSORB technology firm, has commercialized a nanoclay-
ID 37 is claimed to be particularly versatile, with both based additive that is claimed to extend the shelf life
excellent compatibility with PVC and a very low volatility.
of packaged foods. Marketed under the NanoBioTer®
As the first step towards the industrialization of isosorbide trade name, the new product can enhance barrier
diesters, Roquette has recently obtained European authoriza- properties while having minimal impact on process-
tion to produce significant volumes. The company currently ing, optical performance and cost, the firm says.
operates a demonstration unit at Lestrem in France for the The company also offers a second product, production of POLYSORB ID 37. Launched in June 2008, NanoBioTer Plus, which is said to act as a natural anti- the unit has a capacity of more than 100 tonnes per annum.

Source: http://www.nanobiomatters.com/uploads/editor/File/Nanobiomatters%20in%20Plastics%20Additives.pdf