A Chinese company claims it has invented a biodegradable plastic that's made with bentonite clay.
Weifang Huawei Bentonite Group Co. Ltd., which identifies itself as a “key state-level high-tech enterprise,” announced that its bentonite-modified-starch-composite (BMSC) material has passed a national expert review organized by Beijing-based China Packaging Federation.
The panel concluded that the technology is a first in China and also demonstrates superior performance to similar products made outside of China.
The company held the product launch at an event that attracted more than 100 industry experts and 50 media on Oct. 24 in Weifang, Shandong province, it said in a statement.
Weifang Huawei claims its material can fully biodegrade into water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen when buried in the soil. It can be used to manufacture plastic food containers, serviceware, shopping bags, and agricultural films, among other applications.
The company said the product passed degradable testing by European Union packaging standards last month.
Chairman Zhao Yumei said its partners and customers include an automotive interior manufacturer in Helongjiang province and a disposable food service product maker in Beijing.
At the event, the company also launched a biodegradable material research center, partnering with Qingdao Technological University.