3rd Prize BIOPOLYMER Award 2022

ERT BIO (Brazil)

Innovation: Short fiber reinforced BiopolymerTMComposite

ERT BIO proves that a composite doesn't necessarily have to consist of multiple materials to impressively optimize its properties. The 2022 Third Prize-winning compound FC 10130 achieves significant quality improvements in polylactic acid (PLA) by compounding PLA fibers! This creates a monomaterial that is, on the one hand, more break-resistant and temperature-resistant than conventional, non-fiber-reinforced polylactic acid. On the other hand, due to its purity, it can be recycled excellently without any loss of quality and can be easily composted at the end of its (multiple) use.

Jury statement

The award-winning technology makes it possible to improve the mechanical properties of biopolymers using bio-based fibers. This means that single-use products such as straws or disposable cutlery can continue to be manufactured with the advantages of a plastic that is degraded in nature by microbes and enzymes, instead of breaking down into microplastics. Founded in the USA twelve years ago, the company has been operating in Brazil since 2021 with the goal of solving the plastic problem in a country that intends to ban single-use plastic tableware. ERT now offers several formulations for this purpose. The jury believes that the compound made of PLA fibers in a PLA matrix, which is made from sugar cane, is a true advancement and offers good prospects for further applications of this currently most widely used bioplastic in the world. This is because the properties of the reinforcing fibers are retained during compound and product production. They form a strong bond with the matrix WITHOUT fusing with it. This is also a masterpiece in terms of compounding technology. With the 3rd prize, we honor this biodegradable and bioreinforced monomaterial.

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