Jun 16 2009
Cereplast, Inc. (OTCBB:CERP), developer of proprietary bio-based sustainable plastics, today announced the launch of a breakthrough bio-based foamable resin to compete with Styrofoam and other foamable petroleum-based resins. Cereplast Compostable 5001 will complement Cereplast's existing line of Compostables, expanding market applications for Cereplast resins. Cereplast Compostables 5001 is designed to meet the needs of all converters, manufactures and brand owners interested in substituting polystyrene foam with an environmentally sustainable plastic.
Cereplast Compostable 5001 is a compostable foam using Ingeo PLA and various biodegradable and compostable components. This breakthrough resin is ideally suited for thermo-forming application, such as egg cartons, meat trays and mushroom and berries boxes. Plastics converters need not to make new capital expenditure and can use Cereplast Compostables 5001 on conventional extrusion equipment, without process or screw changes. A foam density of 5 lb/cubic foot can be achieved using conventional equipment. Cereplast Compostables 5001 has higher thermal properties than traditional Compostables and is an ideal way for plastics manufactures to reduce their dependence on petroleum-based plastics.
Frederic Scheer, Chairman and CEO of Cereplast, stated, "Cereplast Compostable 5001 is the result of a successful research and development project which demonstrates Cereplast's technical strengths and commitment to meet the growing demand for greater sustainability from the plastic industry. The Launch of Cereplast Compostables 5001 represents an outstanding opportunity for companies across the plastic supply chain, currently using petroleum-based foam plastic resins, to reduce the industry's reliance on oil and contribute to environmental sustainability."
"A significant breakthrough for Compostable 5001 is the fact we are able to reach a density of about 5 pounds per cubic foot on a traditional screw while keeping acceptable heat deflection, modulus and impact strength," said Philippe Ravera, Cereplast's Senior Vice-President, Sales and Marketing. "Compostable 5001 is our first grade of bio-based foamable resins and we intend to introduce additional grades later this year."