BIOPLASTIC PRODUCTS

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is an environmentally friendly synthetic resin and has the widest range of practical applications among all plant-derived biodegradable plastic. It is typically made from the sugar in cornstarch or the juice from sugarcane. After observing the strength of paper fibre, we succeeded in combining paper with PLA. Utilising our patented technology, we were also able to overcome the inherent weaknesses of PLA including its low heat-resistance, durability and malleability. The result is our innovative plant-based biodegradable resin, PAPLUS®.

In addition to using paper made from virgin fibre, we found that it was possible to make PAPLUS® by combining paper waste from the manufacturing process of paper products with high quality post-consumer paper products, thus creating a closed loop in paper recycling.

PAPLUS Characteristics

①  Plant-derived thermoplastic resin

②  Strong and durable

③  Recyclable after use

④  Microwave-safe heat resistance（Approximaly 120℃）^{＊Premium Grade}

⑤  Carbon Neutral (75% less CO2 Emission compared to PP) ^{＊ Data by Camino}

⑥  Japanese Sanitation Act (Clause 370, Ministry of Health Notice)
Compliant ^{＊Premium Grade}

⑦  Biodegradable into water and CO2 at compost facilities or in soil with a microorganism. ^{＊Does NOT biograde in the air}

PAPLUS Product Ideas

PAPLUS can be used to manufacture a wide range of products that are typically made from hard plastic.

Recycling PAPLUS®

Though PAPLUS® can be used for single-use products, it is most suitable for hard plastic products that require durability for repeat use. If you need to throw away PAPLUS® products, you can simply incinerate them or add them to compost or soil for biodegradation. PAPLUS® can also be recycled after being crushed into powder and then made into pellets.

The Biodegradation  Loop

PLA biodegrades in soil or sea due to the action of an enzyme released by a microorganism, turning into water and CO2. In turn, plants create starch and sugar as the by-products of photosynthesis, using the water and CO2 from the previous process together with sunlight. Subsequently, PLA can be created from the starch and sugar produced during photosynthesis, completing a biodegradation loop that minimises the impact of PLA and PAPLUS on the environment.

Physical Property Data

PAPLUS® is currently available in two grades: Premium Grade (made with virgin fibre, heat-resistant and non heat-resistant) and Standard Grade (made with paper waste). Please note that the following data is for reference only. Physical property tests should be conducted for all new PAPLUS® products.