Analysing and concluding the cost/performance matrix for biopolymer blends with different renewable contents

Abstract: Due to increasing awareness and consumer demands it has become important for companies to develop an economical and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. The transition from fossil material to bio based is important for the future of people and planet, still, how the transformation should be implemented is yet unknown. In this report, the possibilities of developing a polymer blend between PP and the biopolymers PLA, PBS and PHA are investigated for commercial application in IKEA plastic products. The value chain, from feedstock to polymer is covered to give the reader a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities for biopolymer blends in plastic applications. Cost is introduced as a crucial parameter to increase the relevancy of the material from a commercial point of view, in addition to technical aspects. The mechanical and thermal properties of the bio/fossil blends is examined in a joint venture between IKEA and Fraunhofer ICT. The report also covers a deeper explanation of PHA materials and a cost/capacity evaluation for this polymer. After the material properties of the blend material is examined, an extensive discussion about the application and recyclability follows. Blends between PP and PHA modified with additives were made and tested in relation to IKEA specifications as cost was considered. The blends show promising properties but should be further optimized to be implemented in IKEA products.