With the global production of biopolymers having increased from 249 kilotonnes in 2009 to about 1,160 kilotonnes in 2011 and expected to quintuple to about 5,780 kilotonnes by 2016, activity is increasing. As such, Hannover-based FKuR Kunststoff has started to operate an additional line for the production of biopolymers delivered by KraussMaffei Berstorff. This is the third compounding line the producer of biodegradable and biobased polymer compounds has bought from KraussMaffei Berstorff. The latter has already sold a total of ten customised lines in this growth market.

The biopolymer expert FKuR is one of the pioneers in the field of biopolymer compounding at international level. In close co-operation with the Oberhausen-based Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, FKuR has developed a wide range of biodegradable and/or biobased compounds. The company already uses two extrusion lines, each equipped with a KraussMaffei Berstorff ZE 50 UTXi twin-screw extruder for the development and production of these special polymers. In view of the increasing market demand, FKuR has now purchased a third line, that is equipped with a ZE 75 R UTXi and designed for output rates of up to 1,000 kg/hour. “

Complete compounding lines composed of twin-screw extruders and appropriate upstream and downstream equipment have been part of KraussMaffei Berstorff’s core business for several decades. KraussMaffei Berstorff has supplied FKuR with a tailored package solution - starting from material metering, customised compounding section up to the sacking system including platform. In addition to the twin-screw extruder benefits of homogenisation and careful plasticising, the R-series twin-screw extruder used in this case features a large free screw volume. This ensures reliable feeding of the powdered starting materials and subsequent compounding with high output rates in biopolymer production. The new and highly flexible line is designed for processing a wide range of different formulations with variable filler contents. These materials are mainly used for all types of flexible film and sheet, i.e. agricultural, household and hygiene film as well as for thermoformed and injection-moulded products.