Rohm develops polylactic acid (PLA) film using renewable raw materials

        ROHM is adding a new product made from renewable raw materials to its EUROPLEX® brand specialty film range. The new product in development, tentatively named EUROPLEX® Film LJ 21123/123, is a highly transparent, high-gloss, stabilized PLA film based on polylactic acid (PLA).

        Thermoformable

The product is ideal for a variety of interior applications, such as high-quality packaging for food and non-food products, decorative films for in-mold decoration processes or printed products such as graphic panels. In contrast to many PLA films on the market, the film is not biaxially stretched and can therefore be thermoformed.

        Reduce Carbon Footprint

Films made from polylactic acid are more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based films, as the production of this raw material generates significantly lower CO2 emissions. Therefore, PLA films help reduce the carbon footprint of the final product.

        Environmentally friendly alternative

EUROPLEX® Film LJ 21123/123 is made of certified biodegradable PLA, which meets the industrial degradation requirements of the ASTM D6400 American standard and the EN 13432 European standard. Even if PLA film is not properly handled, its residual properties are many times lower than those of petroleum-based films. In addition, PLA film does not release toxic substances when it decomposes.

        Certified for food contact

        This bio-based PLA film is also suitable for food packaging with particularly strict regulatory restrictions, meeting the requirements for food contact grade plastics in the EU (EU Regulation 10/2011), the United States (FDA 21 CFR) and China (GB 9685-2016), and is used in cardboard packaging or thermoformed packaging with high requirements for aesthetic and high-quality product display. Viewing windows.

        Rohm regards sustainable development as an important part of its global business strategy and has set a goal of achieving climate-neutral production by 2050. The strategy focuses not only on developing and launching new sustainable products and technologies, but also on decarbonizing raw materials. Hans-Peter Hauck, Rohm's Chief Operating Officer, said: "Rohm's move is aimed at fulfilling its responsibilities for the climate, society and limited natural resources."