The US Patent and Trademark Office has just granted the patent request from the sustainable bioplastics firm. The company described it as a “significant patent for the company and for the field of biodegradable polymers” and “the first of its kind”.
The patent describes biodegradable compositions including polylactic acid and other components, which incorporate nanofillers that improve the physical and thermal properties of the material. That is significant because biodegradable materials are widely known for their thermal and physical limitations.
“Protecting the intellectual property of the company is a high priority and an important part of our long-term growth strategy, as is creating new grades of bioplastic resin that expand the properties available …” said Frederic Scheer, chairman and chief executive of Cereplast.
First patent for biodegradable nanopolymer compositions
“This new patent is the first for biodegradable nanopolymer compositions … Nanopolymers have brought innovation to the traditional plastics industry, and we are proud to have extended their reach to the bioplastics industry.”
Cereplast’s bioplastics are already used as substitutes for traditional plastics in all major converting processes, such as injection moulding, thermoforming, blow moulding and extrusion.
Just last month, the business announced the creation of Algaeplast, a new venture exploring the potential to create bioplastic, biodegradable packaging from algae.
Scheer told FoodProductionDaily.com that Algaeplast aims to create 100% algae-based packaging for applications in industries including food processing within the next five years.