BIO (ECO) COLIBRI AND BIO-PLASTICS
Vilkritis develops and manufactures Colibri Compounds and Bio (Eco) Colibri products that use polymers and natural fillers according to their intended application. The ecological direction chosen by the company covers both environmental protection and responsible production, providing various options for the recycling of end-of-life products.
The company invests in research and innovation, and offers solutions that help reduce the amount of plastic in production, aiming to retain the properties required for the end product.
Great importance is also placed on biodegradable plastics, as well as plastics from renewable raw materials (bio-based plastics).
The company not only produces and supplies raw materials but also offers laboratory services. The experts at the Innovation Centre carry out quick and professional research, create customised formulations for each customer, and give recommendations for the final product, thus promoting sustainable production and responsible consumption.
We recommend using the latest plastics recycling technologies and additives to conserve resources and create more value at a lower cost. With appropriate washing and recycling processes, used plastic can once again become raw material for new products.
Advanced materials and formulations open up opportunities to reduce product thickness while retaining the properties required for its intended use. For example, a thinner film can retain the required strength, flexibility and resistance while using less plastic. This combines material savings with product quality, with the solution selected according to specific application and manufacturing requirements.
COLIBRI BIO 100%
A combination of polylactic acid (PLA) made from renewable plant-based raw materials and natural fillers can be an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Colibri Bio 100% is made using PLA and fillers from local resources, such as buckwheat hulls or apple pomace. Fillers with different particle sizes are prepared according to the intended thickness and design of the product.
Based on the customer’s raw material and the properties of the end product, we develop a custom Colibri Bio 100% formulation and produce a trial batch.
COLIBRI BIO
The company produces blends of polymers – PE, PP, PA, PS, PET, PVC, PUR, PC and ABS – and bio-based fillers. These blends allow part of the plastic to be replaced with renewable raw materials, with the formulation selected according to the properties required for the end product. Resources characteristic of the Baltic region, such as grass or hay, are used as fillers. The company cooperates with local suppliers and research institutions.
We develop a custom Colibri Bio formulation based on the customer’s raw material and the properties of the end product. We carry out laboratory tests and provide recommendations.
BIOPLASTICS
The company supplies biodegradable plastics, as well as plastics from renewable raw materials (bio-based plastics, even if they are not biodegradable).
Biodegradability is a material’s ability to break down through the action of microorganisms. The process and timescale depend on the material and environmental conditions.
Vilkritis can offer its customers all the types of bio-plastics listed in the table. After receiving a technical assignment from the customer and assessing the requirements of the individual project and the desired characteristics of the final product, the laboratory carries out tests and provides recommendations regarding the amount of colour concentrate, the temperature of the production process, and other parameters. Contact us for technical information and documentation for your selected raw material.
If the table does not fit your screen, scroll it horizontally.
| Biodegradability | Non-bio-based (petroleum-based) | Partially bio-based | Bio-based |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIODEGRADABLE | PBAT, PCL, PBS, PES, PEA, PBSA, PVOH | Starch-based polymers, PBS, TPS, bio-based TPE | PLA, PHA, TPS, PBS |
| NON-BIODEGRADABLE | PE, PP, PA, PS, PET, PVC, PUR, PC, ABS, and others | Bio-derived PET, bio-based PC, bio-based PUR, bio-based TPE, bio-based copolyesters | Bio-based PE, bio-based PP, bio-based EVA, and others |
The table gives examples of plastics families. The proportion of bio-based raw materials and the biodegradation conditions depend on the specific grade, blend composition and product.
PLA
The bioplastics family includes PLA, PHA, TPS and PBS. PLA (polylactic acid) is a plastic produced from renewable plant-based raw materials and used in a range of products and manufacturing processes. Depending on the selected grade, PLA can be used for rotational moulding, film blowing, blow moulding, sheet and profile extrusion, injection moulding, film casting, foam sheet and film production, thermoforming, and fibre strip production. When selecting PLA for thin films or other products, the desired clarity, flexibility and strength are considered. When looking for a moisture-resistant plastic, it is important to assess the properties of the specific PLA grade and the conditions in which the product will be used.
3D PRINTING MATERIALS
3D printing materials are used for prototypes, functional parts and small production runs. The technology is also used to produce prototypes for the medical sector. It enables new designs to be tested and custom parts to be produced without a separate mould.
Conventional and biodegradable plastics are selected according to the intended use of the product and the required properties – strength, flexibility or heat resistance. Colours are matched to RAL or Pantone colour charts or developed to order.