Algix LLC has developed new algae-based polymers with reduced odor and a wider range of colors.
The Bogart, Ga., firm has been working with thermoformer Dordan Manufacturing Co. Inc. to develop algae-based resins suitable for thermoformed packaging. Algix has partnered with consumer products giant Kimberly-Clark to utilize algae waste from aquaculture and convert it to plastics.
Dordan will display thermoformed samples of the colored algae plastic at International Pack Expo to be held in Las Vegas, Nev., beginning Sept. 23. At last year's Pack Expo in Chicago, Dordan and Algix featured the first thermoformed algae-based plastic comprising 20 percent algae and 80 percent polypropylene.
Algix aims to make the algae technology economically sustainable by improving cultivation, drying, grinding and converting. The first generation of the materials was stymied by odor and color problems.
“Taking a persistent aquaculture waste problem like algae and developing the processes whereby it is converted into a material suitable for thermoforming demonstrates continued innovations in material science and sustainability,” noted Dordan CEO Daniel Slavin in a news release.
Dordan, tel. 815-334-0087, fax 815-334-0089, email [email protected].
Algix, tel. 877-972-5449, email [email protected].