Exciting new Polymer platform

Teysha Technologies has found a ‘truly sustainable’ alternative to bioplastic and has been issued a Certificate of Biodegradability for its new polymer platform ‘AggiePol’ following successful OECD 310 testing.

Teysha Technology’s AggiePol,is a novel bioplastic derived entirely from natural feedstocks, and has been confirmed to be readily biodegradable, meaning that it biodegrades to natural, non-harmful sugars. The material represents what Teysha Technologies names as a ‘genuinely sustainable’ plastic replacement, unlike partially petroleum-based conventional bioplastics.

Many additives are microplastics used in cosmetics products. For example, a shower gel containing microplastics can deposit microbeads in waterways. Globally, governments are implementing legislation, such as banning exfoliating plastic microbeads, and businesses are seeking sustainable alternative materials.

In harmony

Matthew Stone, Chair of Teysha Technologies, said the AggiePol platform represents a solution: “The limitations of conventional bioplastics, in terms of biodegradation, are well known, but the argument in their favour was that, while they were not perfect, they were the best available alternative to traditional plastics. Now AggiePol has been officially certified as being biodegradable, we can provide a truly sustainable material solution to additives in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals that provides harmony with our waterways, ecology and food chain.

Karen Wooley, CTO at Teysha Technologies, added: “AggiePol’s tunability options mean it can be tailored to undergo slow or rapid biodegradation depending on the application. This makes it suitable for use in markets like packaging, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where businesses still rely on either traditional plastics or partially petroleum-based bioplastics that contribute significantly to ongoing pollution” Product testing, manufacturing and scale-up are all currently underway at the London-based company.

New ADINS products for FR and biocide applications

Based in Madrid, Tolsa S.A. supplies flame-retardant and specialised additives for a range of markets and plastics.

It brought this expertise to K 2022 where its ADINS range of flame-retardant additives for PP, PVC, rubber polymer systems, and silicones, along with its ADINS Protection range for biocide applications, were showcased.

Tolsa has translated its ADINS FR technology to nylon (PA) matrices for applications in electrical/electronics, automotive, textile, and transportation markets, and is developing new products for these systems. During the last two years, Tolsa has completed extensive testing with PA matrices using a range of ADINS products.

ADINS flame-retardant technology is described as a ‘highly suitable alternative to antimony trioxide (ATO)’. ATO is a widely used FR additive which is currently is under regulatory study due to toxicity and carcinogenicity concerns. In addition, the variability of ATO prices and supply issues have generated additional concerns. However, in some applications, such as E&E, its use is unavoidable.

Hence the development of what Tolsa names its ‘safer synergists’ that can reduce the ATO dosage without damaging performance and processability. Tolsa confirmed that its ADINS technology enables development of customised grades that ‘guarantee compliance with specific industry requirements’ including by improving the behaviour of plastic components, in particular, under fire conditions. Targeted applications also include outdoor furniture, architectural and hospital products, construction, packaging plastics and rubber applications.