The Additives business of Swiss specialty chemicals producer Clariant and UK-based bioplastics producer Floreon are collaborating to extend the performance properties and market potential of biopolymers.

The collaboration aims to open up additional possibilities for plastic manufacturers and brand owners to consider biopolymers as a viable, low carbon footprint alternative to fossil-based plastics for both single-use and durable applications.

The partners said that markets like rigid and flexible packaging, electrical & electronic equipment, hygiene products, consumer goods and automotive could benefit from the new enhanced grades.

Floreon develops and markets proprietary compounds based on polylactic acid (PLA), that contain 70-90% renewable, plant-based raw materials.

The two companies plan to integrate Clariant’s sustainable additives with Floreon’s PLA compounds. They aim to enhance the material performance and processing characteristics of bioplastics based on Floreon’s proprietary technology to meet the challenges of demanding conditions or environments.

Clariant said that its wide range of bio-based additives can deliver both high performance and sustainability to the plastics value chain by closing the performance gap between biopolymers and other materials.