Abstract: A biodegradable polymeric composition for food contact applications is disclosed. This polymeric composition includes at least (1) from about 5 weight percent to about 95 weight percent poly(hydroxyalkanoates); (2) from about 5 weight percent to about 95 weight percent of at least one biodegradable polymer selected from the group consisting of poly(butylene succinate), poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate, poly(caprolactone), poly(lactic acid), cellulose esters (such as cellulose acetate) thermoplastic starch, and mixtures thereof; and (3) from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of a nucleating agent.

Abstract: A polymeric composition is disclosed which includes from about 40 to about 99 weight percent of a first polymer and from about 1 to about 60 weight percent of polybutylene(succinate-co-adipate) (“PBSA”). Preferably the first polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polylactic acid, polyhydroxy alkanoates, and mixtures thereof. A method for making the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to marking compositions that are derived from environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and sustainable resources. Such compositions may be formulated in to writing and/or drawing instruments such as crayons. In various embodiments, the marking compositions include one or more of a structural component, a stiffening and/or laydown component, and a colorant. For instance, the structural component may be an ester wax composed of a diol and diacid, such as where the diols and diacids contain about 2 to about 14 carbon atoms each, such as where the structural component is present in an amount of from about 10% by weight to about 90% by weight, such as about 20% to about 80%, including about 60% of the composition. Additionally, the stiffening and/or lay down component may be a bifunctional fatty acid, such as stearic acid, which may be included in the composition, such as a stiffening agent as well as to enhance smoothness of laydown.

Abstract: A granular composition for agricultural is disclosed. The granular composition is made up of a plurality of granulates having a biodegradable coating applied over the granulates. The granulates are selected from the group consisting of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. The biodegradable coating is made up of polylactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates. A method for making the coated granular composition and a method for controlled release of the granular material in the field are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer composition is disclosed which includes at least a first biodegradable copolymer. This first biodegradable copolymer is itself made up of: (1) from about 55 to about 99.5 mole percent monomer residues of 3-hydroxybutyrate, (2) monomer residues of a secondary monomer selected from the group consisting of 4-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxyvalerate, 4-hydroxyvalerate, and 5-hydroxyvalerate, and (3) monomer residues of a tertiary monomer selected from the group consisting of hydroxyalkanoate monomers having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A granular composition for agricultural coatings is disclosed. The granular composition is made up of a plurality of granulates having at least one biodegradable coating applied over the granulates. The granulates are selected from the group consisting of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. The biodegradable coating is made up of polyhydroxyalkanoates, such as monomer residues of 3-hydroxybutyrate and monomer residues of 3-hydroxyhexanoate. A method for making the coated granular composition and a method for controlled release of the granular material in the field are also disclosed.

Abstract: Predominately bio-sourced polymer compositions that may be used as hot-melt adhesives are disclosed herein. The polymer compositions may contain a polymer that has the following structure: G1 and G2 are independently (CH2)x. Variable x is an integer ranging between 1 and 10. Variable y is an integer ranging between about 50 and about 500. Variable z is an integer ranging between about 100 and about 600. Variable n is an integer ranging between about 5 and about 10,000. X is H, a functionalized alkylene polymer block containing alcohol functional groups, or a mixture thereof. Y is H, an acyl group, a functionalized alkylene polymer containing carboxylic acid functional groups, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A biodegradable food service item is disclosed, which includes a biodegradable substrate having at least one food contact surface. This substrate is made of cellulosic fibers. The food service item also includes a coating applied over the at least one food contact surface. This coating is made up of from about 25 to about 60 weight percent of at least one biodegradable polymer, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates. A method for making the biodegradable food service item is also disclosed.

Abstract: Biodegradable articles such as tubing and food service items are disclosed. The articles are extrusion molded from a polymer resin which is made up of at least 25 weight percent of at least one biodegradable polymer, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates. Preferably the articles are formed by profile extrusion.

Abstract: A biodegradable aqueous dispersion is disclosed, which is made up of from about 35 to about 75 weight percent water and from about 25 to about 65 weight percent of polyhydroxyalkanoates. Also disclosed is a biodegradable food service item, which includes a biodegradable substrate having at least one food contact surface. A coating is applied over the at least one food contact surface, which is formed from the biodegradable aqueous dispersion.

Abstract: A polymeric composition is disclosed which includes from about 40 to about 99 weight percent of a first polymer and from about 1 to about 60 weight percent of polybutylene(succinate-co-adipate) (“PBSA”). Preferably the first polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polylactic acid, polyhydroxy alkanoates, and mixtures thereof. A method for making the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymeric composition is disclosed which includes from about 40 to about 99 weight percent of a first polymer and from about 1 to about 60 weight percent of polybutylene(succinate-co-adipate) (“PBSA”). Preferably the first polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polylactic acid, polyhydroxy alkanoates, and mixtures thereof. A method for making the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Predominately bio-sourced polymer compositions that may be used as hot-melt adhesives are disclosed herein. The polymer compositions may contain a polymer that has the following structure: G1 and G2 are independently (CH2)x.Variable x is an integer ranging between 1 and 10. Variable y is an integer ranging between about 50 and about 500. Variable z is an integer ranging between about 100 and about 600. Variable n is an integer ranging between about 5 and about 10,000. X is H, a functionalized alkylene polymer block containing alcohol functional groups, or a mixture thereof. Y is H, an acyl group, a functionalized alkylene polymer containing carboxylic acid functional groups, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hot melt adhesive which includes at least the following components: (1) from about 10 to about 20 weight percent of a lactic acid oligomer or polymer having a weight average molecular weight from about 1500 to about 3000; (2) from about 40 to about 75 weight percent of polylactide having a weight average molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 18,000; (3) from about 20 to about 35 weight percent of a polyester formed from the copolymerization of one or more diols and one or more dicarboxylic acids; and (4) from about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent of a copolymer of vinyl acetate and a mono-unsaturated short chain fatty acid, the fatty acid having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms. All of the aforementioned weight percentages are based on the overall weight of the hot melt adhesive. An adhesive-coated substrate and a method for applying a hot melt adhesive to a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymeric composition is disclosed which includes from about 40 to about 99 weight percent of a first polymer and from about 1 to about 60 weight percent of polybutylene(succinate-co-adipate) (“PBSA”). Preferably the first polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polylactic acid, polyhydroxy alkanoates, and mixtures thereof. A method for making the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to marking compositions that are derived from environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and sustainable resources. Such compositions may be formulated in to writing and/or drawing instruments such as crayons. In various embodiments, the marking compositions include one or more of a structural component, a stiffening and/or laydown component, and a colorant. For instance, the structural component may be an ester wax composed of a diol and diacid, such as where the diols and diacids contain about 2 to about 14 carbon atoms each, such as where the structural component is present in an amount of from about 10% by weight to about 90% by weight, such as about 20% to about 80%, including about 60% of the composition. Additionally, the stiffening and/or lay down component may be a bifunctional fatty acid, such as stearic acid, which may be included in the composition, such as a stiffening agent as well as to enhance smoothness of laydown.