Lignin-Reinforced PLA for Sustainable Packaging

Date:January 22, 2024

Country: Germany Poland

Application

• The main applications of this project are in sustainable packaging, where the lignin-reinforced PLA offers improved strength and biodegradability, making it a suitable alternative to pure PLA for packaging materials. Additionally, it has benefits such as increased tensile and flexural strength, lack of odor, and antioxidant properties.

Description

KraussMaffei, in collaboration with Synergy Horizon, developed a process to produce lignin-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic. By incorporating up to 30% lignin, a by-product of the bioethanol industry, into PLA using specially adapted machinery, they improved the material's mechanical properties, such as flexural and tensile strength. This innovation enhances the biodegradability, odor-free nature, and antioxidant capacity of PLA, making it more suitable for sustainable packaging applications.

 

 

Pathway Description:

Synergy Horizon developed a method to convert lignin, a by-product of the bioethanol industry, into a free-flowing powder that can be used in the extrusion process. KraussMaffei then adapted its machinery, specifically the ZE Blue Power 28 extruder, to incorporate up to 30% lignin into PLA. The process involves low-temperature processing, which ensures the lignin’s quality and enhances the mechanical properties of the resulting lignin-reinforced PLA.