Bio-based Materials China News

In this issue, CCM mainly introduces China's progress in some biomaterials, including bio-based PU, chitosan, bio-based fiber, edible packaging film, degradable film as well as starch-based material. In addition, a scholar is invited to write an in-depth analysis article to introduce the current progress in the research of edible packaging film and an insider to introduce the applications of biomaterials in packaging industry. The scholar pointed out that edible packaging film in China has had several examples of application but the industry develops slowly with technologies undergoing research and development.

In Feb. 2014, a key technology project about PU insulation material was awarded a provincial second prize in Jiangsu Province, which is targeted at the utilization of inedible natural oil like waste oil, woody oil and oleoresin to replace petrochemical materials like phthalic anhydride and phthalic acid. On 3-5 Mar., Hismer's chitosan fiber appealed to trade visitors and won praise from industry specialists and leaders in the 2014 Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics. In the first quarter of 2014, the bio-based fiber industry also saw some progress, especially regarding viscose staple fiber, bamboo fiber and alginate fiber.

Moreover, in Mar. 2014, it was reported that an edible protein film made from fish skin was developed and is expected to replace the packaging for crab sticks and condiments for instant noodles. Also in Mar, the chairman of Kingfa, Yuan Zhimin, disclosed that the company has been capturing national attention for its completely biodegradable film ever since it signed an agreement with XPCC. Lastly, CCM chooses five leading enterprises of starch-based materials in China to make a comparison on their products, so that readers can learn their product advantages respectively. 

In Market Data Analysis, the price of castor oil in Feb. 2014 is analyzed, which kept stable in early Feb. but declined in mid and late Feb. Also, the import & export of PVA in Jan. 2014 and the price of PVA in the first quarter of 2014 are analyzed.

The RMB exchange rate in this issue is USD1.00=RMB6.1190 on 3 Mar., 2014, sourced from the People's Bank of China, except for the price updates on 20 Mar., 2014 (USD1.00=RMB6.1460).