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June 15, 2023
Are Bioplastics Better for Medical Device Packaging?
Are Bioplastics Better for Medical Device Packaging?
Bioplastics are rising in popularity in the medical packaging sector, but are they a better option for medical devices over conventional plastics ? Bioplastics are already used in some medical implant applications, however, the use of the material for medical device packaging is still not widespread. At first glance, it would be easy to assume that the greener option is the better choice because after all bioplastics are sustainable, biodegradable, compostable, and overall just ecofriendly not to mention a great sell for medical device firms and consumers. But unfortunately the answer is more complex than simply deciding which is the better environmental choice. And while its hard to argue against an eco-friendly polymer substitute, the reality is that bioplastics also have their fair share of drawbacks that often go unnoticed. The first issue is bioplastic's limited availability. Conventional plastics are still more widely available in the medical packaging sector and bioplastics are simply not available on a wide scale yet. Another concern has to do with the material's durability, since bioplastics are biodegradable they may be more susceptible to degradation over time, which could cause shelf life issues and wastage . Lastly, it is a possibility that processing bioplastics may require different processes, equipment, or other resources, drawing up additional expenses that some may not be willing to incur. Learn more here.
June 22, 2023
New 100% recycled Nylon May Boost Sustainability in Several Industries
New 100% recycled Nylon May Boost Sustainability in Several Industries
AdvanSix recently launched new fully recycled nylon (polyamide) products. These sustainable products are a great substitute to conventional virgin plastics and they have several applications. The New Jersey based company had already been providing post industrial recycled (PIR) nylon grades since 2021, however as of recently the firm has also finished the development of their new 100% post consumer recycled (PCR) nylon grades. AdvanSix has worked diligently to provide fully recycled nylon grades to the plastics industry and they now offer their several products including their Aegis PIR and PCR resins along with their Capran PIR Biaxially Oriented Polyamide films. Their nylon products have several applications including FDA compliant medical and food packaging as well as shrink wrap for several foods, bag in the box packaging, office furniture and automotive parts applications. Executives at AdvanSix believe that demand for cost- effective recyclable materials is growing and thus they are looking to provide plastic and film manufacturers with high quality materials for their growing needs. Aside from their sustainability aspect there are several other advantages to PCR and PIR nylon. Learn more here.
June 30, 2023
Compostable Packaging Solutions Expand in the US
Compostable Packaging Solutions Expand in the US
Tipa partnered with US based packaging providers PPC Flexible Packaging and Clearview Packaging to expand the production of compostable packaging in the US. The new compostable materials will be used in several packaging segments including baked goods, apparel, accessories, and several others. Tipa's compostable films and laminates are excellent compostable solutions that leave zero waste after composting. Additionally, Tipa consider their materials to be "plug and paly solutions" because of their compatibility with all current packaging processing machinery. The materials feature the same attributes of conventional packaging materials including transparency, durability, and printability, of course with the added benefit of being 100% compostable and sustainable. In the partnership Tipa simply provides either resin or rolls of compostable plastic and the US based firms use these raw materials to formulate fully customized packaging designs for their clients. This agreement allows the US packaging firms to produce compostable packaging locally which minimizes shipping related costs and emissions . Learn more here.
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