Unitika will expand their bioplastic business with an emphasis on a development of TERRAMAC. TERRAMAC is a biomass material created from polylactic acid (PLA), and has been used for tea bags and other products. The tetra type tea bags have been widely sold in Europe, via companies jointly involved in the developments. It has enough toughness that enables the tea bag to maintain its triangular pyramid shape, the toughness helping the flavor to be improved. Besides, it is appreciated to be compostable when disposed. As well as growing their existing business, Unitika is exploring new application to make use of its characteristics. Filaments for a material extrusion-type 3D printer are growing as the new application. When melted, the PLA filament can be sharpened near the melting point, and is not easily broken in a process of forming. Emitting no evil smell and getting well-formed are its advantages as well. TERRAMAC is expected to have good opportunities to be used for preparation for the Tokyo Olympics. Unitika aims to provide it to satisfy demands of infrastructure construction.

JCFA News Letter (No.14) June, 2017/Japan Chemical Fibers Association