Processing and Material Properties of Biopolymers, Especially Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): Research Project Successfully Completed

Polytives GmbH, together with the Thuringian Institute for Textile and Plastics Research (TITK), has successfully completed a significant research project. As part of the Thuringian technology competition “get started 2gether”, both partners worked on specifically improving the processing and material properties of biopolymers—particularly polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)—through innovative polymer additives.

This is already the second project of this kind that Polytives has successfully realized in cooperation with TITK— a strong sign of the innovative strength and research capabilities of the Thuringia region.

Why the Processing and Material Properties of Biopolymers (PHA) Are Crucial

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are among the most promising biopolymers for sustainable plastic production. They are made from renewable raw materials, are biodegradable, and belong to the group of thermoplastics. However, they currently have a decisive disadvantage: their brittleness and low thermal stability make efficient industrial processing difficult.

To establish PHA as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, their processing and material properties must therefore be significantly improved.

Innovative Research Project by Polytives and TITK with the Goal of Optimizing PHA Processing

The research project had a clear goal: to broaden the processing possibilities of PHA and make them more attractive for industrial applications. To achieve this, various types of PHA were compounded and extensively tested with Polytives’ processing aid bFI A 3745.

The central question was: How can the processing and material properties of biopolymers—particularly polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)—be sustainably improved through innovative additives?

Measurable Improvements Through Innovative Polymer Additives

TITK’s investigations show impressive results:

Even a small amount of the additive bFI A 3745 significantly improves flowability.
The melt flow rate (MFR) could be increased by up to 30 percent.
A broadened temperature window substantially facilitates the processing of bioplastics.
The use of the additive thus opens new possibilities in industrial production and elevates PHA to a new performance level.

New Application Areas and Market Potential for PHA

Thanks to the improved processing properties, completely new application and market opportunities are emerging for PHA. In the field of sustainable materials especially, they can play a much greater role in the future—actively contributing to the ecological transformation of the plastics industry.

Statements from the Project Partners

Oliver Eckardt, Managing Director of Polytives GmbH, emphasizes:
“Our cooperation with TITK is an excellent example of collaborative research and development in Thuringia. Together, we have made important progress in making biopolymers like PHA more attractive for industrial applications, thereby advancing sustainable innovation originating from our region.”

Benjamin Redlingshöfer, Executive Director of TITK, adds:
“This successful project once again shows how the ‘get started 2gether’ competition acts as a real accelerator for start-ups. With Polytives, we were able for the second time to support the transfer of innovative ideas all the way to industrial market readiness.”

Conclusion: A Milestone in the Advancement of Sustainable Biopolymers

The research project makes a significant contribution to improving the processing and material properties of biopolymers, especially polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The results demonstrate the potential inherent in combining practical, application-oriented research with innovative material development—and how PHA can become a high-performance, sustainable plastic of the future.