Teknor Apex to produce bioplastics

Teknor Apex Company signed alicensing agreement with Ceres tech Inc . ona unique method for blending relatively low- cost thermo plastics tarch (TPS) with synthetic polymers or other bio plastics while retaining high level sof key per for mance proper ties . The agreement grants Teknor Apex exclusive worldwide right s to manufacture and market products based on Ceres tech''s patent ed technology and to sublicense use of the blending process. The technology involves preparing TPS from starch granules and then combining it as a master batch with bio plastics like poly lactic acid (PLA) or poly hydroxyalkanoa tes (PHA), or with petrochemical-based polymers such as polyethylene. The Cerestech process is based on patented technology developed by Dr. Basil Favis , who founded Cerestech Inc. as as pinoff company from the Ecole Poly technique de Montreal. The technology makes it possible to combine other polymers with TPS from vegetable sources like corn, wheat, or potato while achieving better performance properties than are typical for conventional starchcontaining blends. Teknor Apex will use the technology to produce both masterbatches and ready-to-process compounds and anticipates extruded and injection molded applications in packaging, automotive, trash bag, and other markets. The company is installing a pilot plant at its world head quarter sin Pawtucket , RI , U.S.A. Commercial production is anticipated to begin in Pawtucket in 2009.Nike