BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS

From the archive, originally posted by: [ spectre ]

http://www.cereplast1.com/pdfs/CERPPresentationFinalWEB.pdf
http://www.cereplast.com/ce/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=55

CEREPLAST
http://www.cereplast.com/ce/index.php

Process
“Made from 100% renewable resources, Cereplast resins use proprietary and patented formulations for a large variety of applications. Since Cereplast is starch-based, rather than petroleum-based, the cost is not subject to fluctuation based on the price of fossil fuels. The manufacturing process for Cereplast resins takes place at a lower heat than that required for manufacturing with traditional plastics, further bringing down manufacturing costs. Cereplast resins can substitute for traditional resins and are compatible with existing manufacturing processes and equipment. The MSDS, Processing Guide and technical support are readily available for converters.

How Cereplast Resins are Made
Resin manufacturing begins once the Cereplast production team selects the right bio-polymer matrix made from renewable, cost-stable resources. These biopolymers include polylactic acid (PLA) from NatureWorks LLC, soy proteins, PHA, PHBs, or starch from corn, wheat or potatoes. The selected bio-polymer is blended with other biodegradable components to reinforce its molecular structure through a proprietary process developed by Cereplast. The blend is then polymerized and treated with nano-composites for surface optimization and further reinforcement. The entire green composite process is high-speed and low-cost. The final product is then packaged and shipped to converters, which are able to process the resin using traditional equipment. Cereplast manufactures ten grades of resins for various applications–everything from thermoforming to injection molding, extrusion and more.

Ecology
Imagine a plastic that is environmentally neutral; that doesn’t require fossil fuels to produce and that returns to nature without a trace. An economically competitive product that isn’t affected by the climbing price of oil.  This is Cereplast, the renewable plastic. Plastics made from Cereplast resins are a cost-competitive alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based plastics. Developed from plant sources, Cereplast is sustainable and doesn’t require fossil fuels to produce. These bio-based plastics return to nature without a trace. Cereplast products are certified biodegradable by numerous independent agencies. The products are fully compostable in commercial facilities within 60-180 days, leaving no chemical residue. Cereplast products can be discarded with food waste – no separation required.

How It’s Unmade
Products made from Cereplast will return to nature through biodegradation within 60 to 180 days (depending on thickness). In a landfill, products will biodegrade, but this process will take longer, as landfills, unlike compost facilities, are designed to be moisture-free. In incinerators, Cereplast products will burn without toxic emissions, as the main ingredient is starch. Cereplast resins meet BPI standards for compostability (ASTM), and European Bioplastics standards (EN 13432)”

Investors FAQs
Q: Does Cereplast stock trade publicly and on which market?
A: The common stock of Cereplast is listed and trades on the NASD Over the Counter Bulletin Board market (the OTCBB). The symbol for Cereplast stock is “CERP” or “CERP.OB”.

Q: Does Cereplast file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)?
A: Yes, Cereplast files regular periodic, quarterly, and annual reports with the SEC. Simply type in the name of the company.

Q: What is the legal status of the company and fiscal year end?
A: Cereplast, Inc. is a Nevada corporation incorporated on October, 2001. In April 2002, Cereplast, Inc. qualified to do business in the state of California as Cereplast, Inc. The company’s fiscal year end is December 31st.

Q: When and how are news releases issued by the company?
A: News is generally released by the company through various industry news portals such as VNewsWire or Business Wire. It is our policy to issue news releases when material events occur such as major agreements, technology development milestones, changes or additions to management, and quarterly filing releases. Read recent coverage here.

Q: How can I receive on-going information about Cereplast?
A: Please fill out our Contact Form and your requested information will be provided to you in the appropriate format.

Investors
“Cereplast has developed a breakthrough technology to produce proprietary bio-based resins which are used as substitutes for conventional, petroleum-based plastics in a variety of applications, including injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding and extrusions. Made from renewable resources such as corn and potato starch, Cereplast’s uniquely formulated resins are certified biodegradable and compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute. They have comparable or superior performance characteristics to conventional plastics, and are competitive in price. Why use conventional petro plastic when Cereplast is cheaper and made in the USA?

Macro-economics and world politics converge to create inflection point for industry World leaders are finally beginning to acknowledge the need to protect the environment, and one simple way to do this is to decrease our reliance on petroleum-based products and increase our utilization of renewable natural resources. The push to displace traditional petro-based plastics in favor of new bio-based plastics is a long-term trend, made possible by market conditions and advancements in technology, such as Cereplast’s proprietary resins.

Change is evident and imminent.  In 2005, the U.S. Department of Agriculture established guidelines under which bio-based products will be given preference in procurement programs under the federal government.  Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest retailer, recently announced it will start replacing some of its conventional plastic packaging with bio-plastic, biodegradable packaging.

Bio-plastics sector anticipating long-term, sustainable growth for the foreseeable future Just as plastic has displaced steel and other metals over the past decades, so too are bio-plastics displacing petroleum based plastics in the marketplace. With the economic drivers and the political instability in the world’s petroleum producing regions, bio-plastics are an increasingly attractive and economical choice for many industries. For example, a decade ago, 40% of an automobile was made from plastic components; today that figure is more than 80%.

According to Business Insights, Food and Drink Packaging was estimated to represent $71.9 billion in 2005 in the United States alone. Add to that the market shift toward plastic packaging due to its convenience and cost effectiveness.  Even a small percentage of this market represents a substantial opportunity for Cereplast.”

Investment Highlights:
* Cereplast is a worldwide leader in the sector
* The industry is poised for explosive growth
* Bio-plastics are at the early stage of long-term sustained growth cycle
* Cereplast is able to support demand from consumers in an economically profitable fashion
* Institutional investors are actively re-allocating portions of their portfolios into the green / sustainable sector.

Contact:
General information: info [at] cereplast [dot] com
Converters information: converter.info [at] cereplast [dot] com
Distributor information: distributor.info [at] cereplast [dot] com
Investor information: investor [dot] relations [at] cereplast [dot] com

fscheer [at] cereplast [dot] com
sgarden [at] cereplast [dot] com

http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=CERP.OB
http://reports.standardandpoors.com/aidata/maccess/c/cerp_425670_one.htm

http://www.livescience.com/technology/070327_seawater_plastic.html
New Biodegradable Plastics Could Be Tossed into the Sea
by Charles Q. Choi  /  27 March 2007

“A biodegradable plastic that dissolves into nontoxic components in seawater could make it environmentally safe to ditch ” disposable” forks, spoons, wraps and other such waste overboard from ships to free up valuable space. “There are many groups working on biodegradable plastics, but we’re one of a few working on plastics that degrade in seawater,” said researcher Robson Storey, a polymer scientist at University of Southern Mississippi. “We’re moving toward making plastics more sustainable, especially those that are used at sea.”

Cruise liners, naval warships and other vessels generate huge volumes of plastic trash, such as stretch wrap for large cargo items, food containers and eating utensils. This junk often remains onboard for long spans of time until ships make port. Simply dumping such junk overboard is hazardous because conventional plastics can take years to break down and may result in toxic byproducts.

When exposed to seawater, the new plastics can dissolve in as few as 20 days. They are made of polyurethane modified to incorporate a biodegradable compound known as PLGA, which is used in medical sutures. By varying the chemical makeup of the plastic, the scientists have developed materials that range from soft and rubbery to hard and rigid, making them potentially useful for a variety of applications. After they dissolve, “our goal is for them to break down into carbon dioxide and water,” Storey told LiveScience. Other natural organic chemical byproducts, such as lactic acid, which is found in milk, also might be generated.

The new plastics are denser than saltwater, making them inclined to sink rather than float. This could help prevent them from washing up on shores and polluting coastlines, Storey said. The plastic is undergoing degradation testing at military and university labs, and initial results are promising, Storey said. It has not been tested in freshwater yet. Future research also has to optimize the plastics for changes in temperature, humidity, seawater composition and other environmental conditions. The future manufacturers of these plastics also would have to overcome legal hurdles, as international maritime law currently forbids disposal of plastics at sea. The team presented their findings Tuesday at the American Chemical Society annual meeting.”

http://www.usm.edu/polymer/faculty/storey.php

Robson Storey
email: Robson [dot] Storey [at] usm [dot] edu
http://www.psrc.usm.edu/storey/Website.htm

BIOPLASTICS
http://www.greenplastics.com/
http://www.worldcentric.org/store/bioplastics.htm
http://www.bioplastics24.com/
http://www.european-bioplastics.org/

The Biopolymers Web Site
http://www.biopolymer.net/
U. S. National Biobased Products and Bioenergy Initiative
http://www.bioproducts-bioenergy.gov/
The Bioplastics Web Site
http://www.bioplastics24.com/

Green Plastics Organizations
BEPS: BioEnvironmental Polymer Society
http://www.beps.org/
BPI: The International Biodegradable Products Institute
http://www.bpiworld.org/
BPS: Japanese Biodegradable Plastics Society
http://www/bpsweb.net/

Manufacturers
Novamont (Materbi)
http://www.biogroupusa.com/
Cargill Dow
http://www.natureworksllc.com/
ECM Biofilms, Inc.
http://www.ecmbiofilms.com/
Metabolix, Inc.
http://www.Metabolix.com/
StarchTech, Inc.
http://www.starchtech.com/
Willow Ridge Plastics, Inc.
http://www.willowridgeplastics.com/

Purchase Home Products on the Web
A wide range of biodegradable household products, including biodegradable trash bags, under housekeeping.
http://www.e-biodegradables.com/
Biodegradable pots from Enviroarc, engaging in the research and development of environmentally friendly alternatives.
http://www.enviroarc.net/
Biodegradable trash bags, under housekeeping.
http://www.greenhome.com/

Environmental Awareness
Environmental News Network
http://www.enn.com/
Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/
Environment Online (by CREST)
http://www.crest.org/

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