Kaneka Belgium, a subsidiary of Japan-based chemicals company Kaneka Corporation, announced its Green Planet expanded beads have been recognised as microplastics-free under the EU’s Regulation 2023/2055.
The regulation addresses synthetic polymer microparticles, i.e. microplastics, and restricts their use in various products.
Kaneka’s Green Planet type L40N expanded beads have been officially excluded from the definition of synthetic polymer microparticles under the regulation. They are made of biodegradable, bio-based PHBH resin, branded under the name Green Planet.
The material is used in a wide range of lightweight, shock-absorbing applications, such as cushioning materials for home electric appliances, transportation containers for fresh food, and materials used in the automotive and transport industries. The foam particles can be processed with existing moulding equipment, and their characteristics are similar to those of polyolefin foams.
“This milestone reflects our dedication to protecting the planet and delivering eco-friendly particle foam solutions without compromising performance and quality,” said Luc Point, general manager of Foam & Residential Techs EMEA for Kaneka Belgium. “It will enable us to engage further with brand owners, moulders, and consumers, and help us work towards a microplastic-free foam industry.”
The Green Planet Expanded Beads were recognised as microplastics-free by Normec OWS, an external verification laboratory, following a comprehensive assessment.
During the verification process, the product's aqueous aerobic biodegradability was evaluated based on CO2 evolution. The results indicated that the material achieves a mineralisation level of over 60% over a period of 28 days according to OECD test method 301 B. These results confirmed the product fully degrades without leaving any synthetic residues, reinforcing its role as a sustainable alternative in the foam applications industry and contributing to the fight against microplastic pollution.
Kaneka’s Green Planet PHBH belong to the family of PHAs. These polymers, produced via microbial biosynthesis, biodegrade easily both in soil and in water (salt and fresh water). While industrial-scale production long remained an elusive goal, new advances in fermentation and polymer production technology have enabled the further commercialisation of this polymer family.
Green Planet is already being used for straws, cutlery, coffee capsules, bags, films, amongst others.
Kaneka factory in Takasago, Japan, has been producing PHBH since 2011, at an initial production capacity of 5,000 tonnes/year. In 2022, Kaneka announced it would expand capacity to 20,000 tonnes/year by early 2024.