Biopolymer blends for enhanced shelf life

US Pacific Nonwovens is currently completing work on the development of spunbond and meltblown fabrics from blends of temperature-compatible grades of PLA and PHB polymers. The company believes that products made from such biodegradable polymer blends – such as surgical drapes and gowns, face masks, head and shoe covers and patient lifting slings – will benefit greatly from improved shelf-life in clean storage.

“It is desirable for biodegradable and compostable nonwoven products to have good shelf-life both in dry, clean storage and in the liquid of packages such as wet wipes, but at the same time to be readily biodegradable in biodegradation and composting environments,” explains Larry Wadsworth, the company’s chief technology officer and CEO, who is a member of the advisory panel of Sustainable Nonwovens.