Product Watch: Nichem’s BioX for flexible packaging

WhatPackaging? (WP?): What types of biodegradable additives or masterbatches do you offer for flexible packaging?
Bhavana Pandare (BP): We offer biodegradable additives and masterbatches, namely BioX for flexible packaging. They help the plastic to degrade in both aerobic as well as anaerobic conditions, without generating microplastics.

WP?: What is the biodegradation process, and under what conditions does it occur — industrial composting, home composting, landfill, marine?
BP: The biodegradation process comprises breaking down the high molecular weight polymer chains into monomers. This reduces the molecular weight of the plastic from 200,000-daltons to less than 5,000-daltons as per the industrial test standard. Our product, BioX, biodegrades flexible polyolefins in conditions of industrial composting, home compositing, landfill as well as marine environments.

WP?: What polymers are compatible with your biodegradable additives? 
BP: BioX is compatible with polyolefins — namely LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, and PP. It is not compatible with biopolymers like PLA and PBAT. 

WP?:What percentage of the masterbatch/additive is typically required in the base polymer for effective biodegradation?
BP: We recommend that BioX be used as a masterbatch for uniform dispersion of the actives in the polyolefin matrix. A masterbatch of about 15% has 600–3,000-ppm of additives which is adequate for degradation in the stipulated time as per the industrial test standard.

WP?: How does the additive affect the mechanical properties of the final product?
BP: BioX does not affect any mechanical properties during the working period of the product. If the finished product is exposed to extreme UV or sunlight for a longer duration, some biodegradation may begin.

WP?: Does the additive affect transparency, printability, or other aesthetic properties of the film?
BP: At a lower dosage, no haziness is seen in the film. However, at higher dosages, a slight amount of haziness appears on the film. The additive does not affect the printability or any other aesthetic properties of the film.

WP?: What is the shelf life of the masterbatch/additive before processing?
BP: The shelf life of the masterbatch/additive prior to processing in the final film is 24 months from the date of manufacture.

WP?: Does the additive cause premature degradation during storage or transport?
BP: No, the additive does not cause premature degradation during storage and transport, provided the recommended storage and transport conditions are met. However, if the finished product is exposed to extreme UV or sunlight for a longer duration, some biodegradation may begin. Nonetheless, this will not lead to instant complete degradation of the packaging. 

WP?: What is the environmental impact of your additive, and does it leave any toxic residues or microplastics?
BP: BioX additive does not leave any toxic residue or microplastics. It has been tested at Intertek Wilton, UK laboratory for presence of microplastics and it is proved thatBioX does not generate microplastics. BioX is also tested for its Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to check its environmental impact. It is found to have no adverse impact on the soil germination quality and marine life.

WP?: What are your minimum order quantities (MOQs) and lead times?
BP: The MOQ is 100 kgs and the lead time is about eight working days.

WP?: Do you offer technical support or R&D collaboration for custom formulations?
BP: Yes, we offer technical support as well as R&D collaboration for custom formulations. We have a dedicated Innovation Center, which comprises chemical experts, synthesis experts and qualified chemists.