Grafe, a German company, has launched PHBV and PLA biodegradable plastics that can be individually colored
Grafe, based in Blankenhain, Germany, recently launched the Biocolen® product line, offering new options for biodegradable plastic applications. This series of individually colorable biodegradable plastics is designed for applications where mechanical recycling is difficult or uneconomical. It balances ecological responsibility with technical and design requirements and is suitable for packaging, disposables, and hygiene products.
Grafe provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from material selection and coloring to certification. It helps products obtain internationally recognized environmental certifications, such as the "OK compost HOME," "OK compost INDUSTRIAL," and "OK biodegradable" labels from TÜV Austria, ensuring they can be disposed of responsibly in home or industrial composting. Long-term partnerships with testing agencies ensure an efficient and smooth certification process.
From the development stage, Grafe rigorously controls the selection and dosage of the Biocolen® ingredients to ensure compliance with certification requirements. Particular attention is paid to the impact of colorants on product testing, and the selected pigments meet the heavy metal limits specified in the DIN EN 13432 standard. Before delivery, products undergo comprehensive testing in our own laboratories to identify potential issues and save costs.
For carrier materials, Grafe offers PHBV (polyhydroxybutyrate valerate) and PLA (polylactic acid). We can also test the suitability of customers' own polymers to ensure product purity.
This product line breaks the preconception that biodegradable plastics are limited in appearance and technology. Color experts can create a wide range of colors, from soft tones to eye-catching signal colors. Through innovative formulations, we achieve optical effects without composting, providing opportunities for brand differentiation in the sustainable sector.
In addition, Grafe offers targeted additives for the Biocolen product line, balancing biodegradability and certification requirements to broaden its application range. Its Tekolen product line includes bio-based, but non-biodegradable, plastics suitable for durable products, and also offers a comprehensive selection of colorants and additives.
Together, the Biocolen and Tekolen product lines form a comprehensive sustainable plastics solution. With its expertise and commitment to service, Grafe supports customers from conception to market, striving to integrate innovation, environmental protection, and design to create high-quality products.
