Rohm and Haas has a long tradition of innovation and commitment to bringing environmentally advanced products to the packaging industry. In recent years we have been focusing on the needs of bioplastic materials, specifically poly lactic acid. A survey conducted in collaboration with SpecialChem® in 2007, revealed packaging to be the largest end market for PLA with over 50% of the consumption. However PLA faces some potential drawbacks in competition with traditional plastics used in this market, mainly in impact resistance and melt strength. Our first impact modifier for PLA, Paraloid™ BPM 500 was introduced in 2007. An excellent balance of impact performance and clarity is achieved through a nanoparticle size distribution, good dispersion and refractive index match between the particles and the matrix. The addition of Paraloid™ BPM-500 reduces the risk of shattering during cutting or punching of extruded sheets during production of finished items. To enhance performance and /or the cost efficiency of the BPM-500, a new generation of impact modifiers for PLA has been developed, Paraloid™ BPM-515. This modifier provides higher impact resistance that BPM-500, and can provide performance enhancements at levels as low as 2 wt%. In response, to another need of PLA, low melt strength, Rohm and Haas has launched a new additive, Paraloid™ BPMS-250. This modifier allows the processing of PLA via blown film extrusion, extrusion blow molding and calendaring. The excellent compatibility of Paraloid™ BPMS-250 with PLA maintains the optical performance of PLA, without need of pre-dispersion via twin screw compounding. Rohm and Haas Paraloid™ modifiers enable bioplastics to compete head to head with traditional thermoplastics. Choose:
Paraloid™ BPM-500 for an excellent balance of clarity and impact
Paraloid™ BPM-515 for higher impact efficiency available before the end of 2008
Paraloid™ BPMS-250 in North America, and Paraloid™ BPMS-255 and Paraloid™ BPMS-265 in Asia, for improving the melt strength of PLA Rohm and Haas also offers adhesive solutions for PLA film. Three new adhesives systems specifically tailored for laminating PLA (poly lactic acid) to itself, treated polyolefins, cellophane, polyester and PVdC coated polyolefins have been developed. View performance data including bond strength, aged
bond strength and moisture resistance. (pdf) Mor-Free™ 403A/C-117 Solventless Adhesive for bio-based films Read the latest on NatureWorks LLC Conference that sparked ideas for future of PLA For more information or to contact an expert, click here. | 
