Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the formation of pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA), in particular, 2,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (2,4-PDCA) and 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (2,5-PDCA), and mono- and diester derivatives thereof, from 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, via a biocatalytic reaction using, for example, a protocatechuate dioxygenase such as protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase or protocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase, and a nitrogen source. The invention also relates to copolymers that comprise the pyridinedicarboxylic acid monomers and derivatives thereof, processes for the formation of the copolymers and uses for the copolymers.

Abstract: The present invention related to an apparatus and method for the manufacturing of beverage capsules. The apparatus can preheat the material used to form the beverage material during the manufacturing process. The material and apparatus are particularly suitable for use in producing single serve beverage capsules from biodegradable materials.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoformable and bondable fabric in which the fabric is biodegradable and/or compostable. The process comprises extruding a polymeric blend to form a plurality of filaments, the filaments collectively comprising the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the formation of pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA), in particular, 2,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (2,4-PDCA) and 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (2,5-PDCA), and mono- and diester derivatives thereof, from 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, via a biocatalytic reaction using, for example, a protocatechuate dioxygenase such as protocatechuate 4,5-dioxygenase or protocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase, and a nitrogen source. The invention also relates to copolymers that comprise the pyridinedicarboxylic acid monomers and derivatives thereof, processes for the formation of the copolymers and uses for the copolymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the formation of furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), in particular 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA), and mono- and diester derivatives thereof, via a multistep biocatalytic oxidation reaction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) using, for example, an enzyme selected from the group consisting of xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), galactose oxidase variant M3-5, aldehyde dehydrogenase, and/or ketoreductase. The invention also relates to copolymers that comprise the furandicarboxylic acid monomers and derivatives thereof, processes for the formation of the copolymers and uses for the copolymers.

Abstract: A thermoplastic, biodegradable polymer blend having a high surface energy and good adhesion without the need for pretreatment, is made up of starch in the range 10% to 60% by weight of the polymer blend, at least one further carrier polymers in the range 40% to 90% by weight of the polymer blend and one or more process aids in the range 0% to 0.5% by weight of the polymer blend. The polymer blends typically have a surface energy after processing of at least 40 mN/m.

Abstract: A bio-resin composition contains cellulose acetate and a biodegradable secondary polymer in a ratio of at least 10:1 by weight of the total weight of the composition wherein the secondary polymer is an aliphatic polyester such as polybutylene succinate or an aliphatic co-polyester such as polybutylene succinate adipate or an aliphatic/aromatic polyester such as polybutylene adipate terephthalate. The secondary polymer may be present in an amount up to 10% by weight, more preferably up to 6% by weight and more preferably still in the range 2% to 3% by weight of the total weight of the composition where the combined amount of secondary polymer and cellulose acetate may be up to 85% of the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A starch based polymer blend suitable for extrusion coating, lamination of paper, film, coated or metallised film, foil, and fibrous webs comprises starch in the range 10% to 60% by weight of the polymer blend, one or more further carrier polymers in the range 40% to 90% by weight of the polymer blend, and optionally one or more process aids in the range 0% to 0.1% by weight of the polymer blend wherein the polymer blend has a melt flow index of at least 10 g/10 min (5 kg, 190 C).

Abstract: A thermoplastic, biodegradable polymer blend showing high surface energy and good adhesion without the need for pre-treatment consists of starch in the range 10% to 60% by weight of the polymer blend, one or more further carrier polymers in the range 40% to 90% by weight of the polymer blend and one or more process aids in the range 0% to 0.5% by weight of the polymer blend. The polymer blends typically have a surface energy after processing of at least 40 mN/m.

Abstract: A bio-resin composition contains cellulose acetate and a biodegradable secondary polymer in a ratio of at least 10:1 by weight of the total weight of the composition wherein the secondary polymer is an aliphatic polyester such as polybutylene succinate or an aliphatic co-polyester such as polybutylene succinate adipate or an aliphatic/aromatic polyester such as polybutylene adipate terephthalate. The secondary polymer may be present in an amount up to 10% by weight, more preferably up to 6% by weight and more preferably still in the range 2% to 3% by weight of the total weight of the composition where the combined amount of secondary polymer and cellulose acetate may be up to 85% of the total weight of the composition.