Symbiosis of chemistry and biology: BASF’S biodegradable and renewable polymers

International Conference and Exhibition on Biopolymers & Bioplastics

August 10-12, 2015 San Francisco, USA

Andreas Kunkel

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Material Sci Eng

Abstract :

Introduction: The field of biopolymers requires the close cooperation of chemistry and biology on the level of renewable
monomers, polymers and end of life mechanism (e.g., composting) respectively. Using BASF as an example, this symbiosis of
chemistry and biology will be presented.
Renewable Monomers: Renewable monomers can be obtained by conversion of renewable feed stocks either by classical
chemical catalysis or via a direct fermentation process. Succinic acid will be the BASF example to show the opportunities of
such new processes.
Polymer-Compound-Application: Ecoflex ® is the preferred blend partner for bio-based and biodegradable polymers which
typically do not exhibit good mechanics and process ability for film applications by themselves–ecoflex F® therefore is a
synthetic polymer which enables the extensive use of renewable raw materials (e.g., starch, PLA). The BASF brand name for
compounds of ecoflex® with PLA is ecovio®. The application range is very broad from film applications like organic waste bags,
shopping bags or agricultural mulch films to biodegradable coffee capsules and stiff foamed packaging.
End of Life: Polymer biodegradation commonly begins with the (hydrolytic) breakdown of the main chain often enzymatically
catalyzed followed by the mineralization by microorganisms present in the respective habitat. Therefore elucidation of the
interaction of microorganisms and their respective enzymes with polymer substrates in different environments and deducing
relevant structure-property relationships is an important task of BASF biopolymer research.

Biography :

Andreas Kunkel is a Vice President and Head of Biopolymer Research of BASF. After his PhD in Microbiology at the Max Planck Institute in Marburg, he started his
BASF career within the Central R&D department followed by Marketing Positions within the divisions Fine Chemicals and Performance Polymers. Since starting
in BASF in 1999, his focus has been the strategic development and marketing of chemicals and polymers based on renewable resources using the synergies
between classical chemistry and biotechnology.