Biodegradable Resin Compound FORZEAS™ Receives Marine Biodegradation Certification

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President: Masayuki Waga, hereinafter referred to as "our company") biodegradable resin compound FORZEAS™ has obtained the marine biodegradable certification "OK biodegradable MARINE"
.

　　The marine biodegradable certification "OK biodegradable MARINE" of the European biodegradable product certification agency TÜV AUSTRIA is an international certification for marine biodegradability of products
.
It is generally believed that there are fewer microorganisms in the ocean than in the land
.
The certification requires that not only are certified products biodegradable in seawater, but their composting should also be safe for the environment
.

　　This time, some grades in FORZEAS™ products meet the condition of at least 90% biodegradation rate within 6 months in seawater (30°C), and also meet the standard in the ecotoxicity test to determine microbial activity
.
At the same time, this grade has physical properties suitable for use as 3D printing filaments, and it is expected to expand new uses by combining the free forming process through 3D printing and marine biodegradability
.

　　FORZEAS™ is a resin compound that uses BioPBS™, which is biodegradable and derived from plant materials, developed by our company, and is combined with other biodegradable resins and additives to adapt its properties and formability to various applications
.
It is a material with low environmental impact because it is degraded into water and carbon dioxide by microorganisms, which can effectively reduce plastic waste
.

　　In recent years, marine pollution caused by plastics has become a worldwide issue
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Our company will take this acquisition of marine biodegradation certification as an opportunity to expand our business to new uses such as food packaging materials and fishing gear with the help of 3D printing
.