Teijin Frontier launches biodegradable BIOFRONT® PLA resin worldwide

Desk Report November 11, 2024Last Updated: November 11, 2024

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Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd., a key player in sustainable materials innovation, has announced the global availability of its advanced biodegradable resin, BIOFRONT®, made from polylactic acid (PLA). Unlike conventional PLA products, BIOFRONT® resin decomposes faster in natural environments like oceans, rivers, and soil. The resin incorporates a pioneering biodegradation accelerator that enhances the breakdown process without compromising its mechanical strength, crystallinity, or moldability.

The introduction of BIOFRONT® resin marks a significant stride in Teijin Frontier’s THINK ECO® initiative, an environmental strategy dedicated to developing sustainable materials. BIOFRONT® joins Teijin’s extensive lineup of eco-friendly products aimed at reducing plastic-related environmental impacts.

The biodegradation accelerator in BIOFRONT® resin promotes hydrolysis, speeding up microbial consumption and decomposition compared to standard PLA. Remarkably, the resin performs effectively in marine and riverine environments, where bacterial presence is typically lower than in composting systems. Teijin Frontier has fine-tuned the resin’s composition to allow control over its decomposition rate, making it adaptable to diverse applications and desired product lifespans.

BIOFRONT® resin can be processed like traditional PLA, making it compatible with a wide range of applications, from films to fibers used in textiles and non-woven fabrics. Given its rapid biodegradation rate, BIOFRONT® is expected to mitigate microplastic pollution significantly while also cutting CO2 emissions, thanks to its plant-based composition.

This global launch represents a promising development in the drive for eco-friendly materials in various industries. Teijin Frontier plans further research into biodegradable materials to continue advancing sustainability efforts worldwide.