Nexam Chemical enables lightweight materials in bio-based plastics – together with Verdofoam®
Nexam expands its Lightweight product segment thanks to new advances in the production of expanded bioplastic. This development opens up a variety of applications, such as packaging and insulation materials, based on renewable raw materials. Through close collaboration between Nexam Chemical and Verdofoam®, a breakthrough has been achieved that makes it possible to replace fossil-based polystyrene in the type of foam used, for example, in e-commerce packaging.
Behind the breakthrough lies Nexam Chemicals' unique additive technology, which makes it possible to expand bio-based plastics such as PLA (polylactic acid) – something that has previously been a technical challenge. The result is a material with the same lightweight and shock-absorbing properties as traditional packaging foam, but made from renewable resources.
– This is a clear breakthrough. Being able to create bio-based foam (PLA foam) opens up an entirely new market for us, says Ronnie Törnqvist, CEO of Nexam Chemical. We are demonstrating concretely how our technology can help reduce the climate footprint of plastics without compromising performance or functionality.
Packaging foam is widely used to protect products during transport – for example, the small "beads" that fill empty spaces in boxes for e-commerce. The global volume of expanded polystyrene (EPS) used in packaging is estimated at around 5.8 million tons per year.
Based on typical emission factors of around 3–5 tons CO₂e per ton of material, this corresponds to up to approximately 18–30 million tons of CO₂e annually. This equates to tens of billions of packages worldwide, based on global e-commerce and food packaging. Being able to now replace parts of this volume with bio-based alternatives presents a significant opportunity to reduce fossil dependency and lower climate impact.
– With the help of Nexam Chemicals additives, we have now succeeded in producing a completely bio-based foam with the right structure and properties, says Hans-Erik Ouwehand, CEO of Verdofoam®. It is an important step towards more sustainable packaging solutions.
The development marks an important step in Nexam Chemicals' work to support the transition to more sustainable plastic materials. The company's additives are used globally to improve and extend the lifespan of both recycled and bio-based polymers.
For more information, visit www.nexamchemical.com, or contact:
Ronnie Törnqvist, CEO, +46-706 25 41 85, ronnie.tornqvist@nexamchemical.com
About Verdofoam®
Verdofoam® is a new bio-tech company based in the Netherlands that offers innovative, sustainable foam solutions based on bio-based materials for insulation, packaging, and industrial applications.
Note: This press release has been translated from Swedish. The Swedish text shall govern for all purposes and prevail in case of any discrepancy with the English version.
Note: This press release has been translated from Swedish. The Swedish text shall govern for all purposes and prevail in case of any discrepancy with the English version.
For more information, please visit www.nexamchemical.com or contact:
Ronnie Törnqvist, VD, +46-706 25 41 85, ronnie.tornqvist@nexamchemical.com
About Nexam Chemical
Nexam Chemical develops technology and products that make it possible to significantly improve the production process and properties of most types of plastics in a cost-effective manner and with retained production technology. The improved properties include strength, toughness, temperature and chemical resistance as well as service life. The improvements in properties that can be achieved by using Nexam Chemical's technology make it possible to replace metals and other heavier or more expensive materials with plastics in a number of applications. In applications where plastic is already used, Nexam Chemicals products can improve the manufacturing process, reducing material use and enable more environmental friendly alternatives. Example of commercial applications: pipe manufacturing, foam production and high-performance plastics. More information about the business will be found on www.nexamchemical.com. The company´s Certified Adviser is Bergs Securities AB. Bergs Securities AB can be reached at info@bergssecurities.se or by phone +46-8 408 933 50.
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