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MicroGREEN Polymers Unveils Sustainable Technology to Dramatically Increase Product Yield From Source Plastics

Posted on: Tuesday, 11 November 2008, 12:00 CST

MicroGREEN Polymers, an innovative plastics company that develops economically and ecologically viable advanced plastics technologies to promote sustainable living, today unveiled its solid-state microcellular expansion technology at PackExpo 2008. This new technology enables converters and manufacturers to make more product with less source plastic by controllably expanding solid-state polymers with billions of microscopic cells within its structure -- thereby dramatically reducing the cost and weight of plastic products, and improving end product functionality without compromising performance.

"Our converter and manufacturing partners are always looking for opportunities to make more plastic products from less source material, and in today's economy, it's becoming an imperative due to the rising cost of petroleum affecting production costs," said Tom Malone, CEO of MicroGREEN Polymers. "Furthermore, the dramatic increase in 'green' awareness among the general populace is putting market pressure on all consumer brands and their manufacturing partners to step up to the challenge of using recycled materials and reducing their ecological footprint in general. To that end, we are pleased with our joint development work with our manufacturing partners to create more sustainable plastics."

Developed in labs at the University of Washington, plastics converters and manufacturers can apply this solid-state technology to a broad swath of polymers, including rPET -- the world's most recycled plastic, and emerging bioplastics including Natureworks(R) PLA. Applications of this revolutionary technology range from plastics for food and protective packaging industries to lightweight plastic parts for aircraft and automotive interiors to components in LCD electronic displays.

"We are excited to see this revolutionary green technology move from the University of Washington labs and into the market," said Patrick Shelby, Technology Manager, UW Tech Transfer. "The relationship between UW Tech Transfer and MicroGREEN Polymers reflects our shared commitment to the successful application of this technology."

As this technology applies to solid-state polymers and is completely controllable, it also can be tailored for each specific application. For example, on display at PackExpo in Paper Machinery Corporation's booth S-1572, is a rPET overwrap for a cup that insulates for handling and features high-quality printing directly on the overwrap without any additional coating or processing.

"At Paper Machinery, we believe in seeking out the most cutting edge technologies to improve our products, our planet, and our customer's bottom line. We are pleased with the joint development work we have done with MicroGREEN Polymers," said Jerry Meier, Vice-President, Paper Machinery Corporation.

About MicroGREEN Polymers

MicroGREEN Polymers was founded in September, 2002, with a mission to commercialize its patented solid-state microcellular expansion technology, which significantly reduces the financial and ecological costs of many plastic products while enhancing performance. Headquartered in Arlington, Washington, MicroGREEN Polymers also maintains a sourcing and contract manufacturing facility for joint development located in Green Bay, Wisconsin. To learn more, please visit www.microgreeninc.com.

MicroGREEN Polymers is a registered trademark or trademark of MicroGREEN Polymers, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Business Wire

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