Statement of the jury
With the awarded technology it is possible to improve the mechanical properties of biopolymers with bio-based fibers. For example, disposable products such as straws or disposable cutlery can still be manufactured with the advantages of a plastic that is naturally decomposed by microbes and enzymes instead of breaking down into microplastics. The company, which was founded twelve years ago in the USA, has been active in Brazil since 2021 because it has set itself the goal of solving the plastic problem in a country where single-use plastic tableware is to be banned. ERT now offers several recipes here. From the point of view of the jury, the compound made of PLA fibers in a PLA matrix, which is made from sugar cane, is a real further development and represents a good perspective for further possible uses of this bioplastic, which is currently the most widely used worldwide. Because the properties of the reinforcing fibers remain with the compound - as well as product manufacturing. They connect well with the matrix WITHOUT merging with it. This is also a masterpiece in terms of compounding technology. With the 3rd prize we honor this biodegradable and bioreinforced mono material.
© Earth Renewable Technologies
Compounded PLA-fibres give the most popular biodegredable polymer PLA impressive new properties. The resulted monomaterial is easy to recycle and compostable at the end of its lifespan.