Fossil-fuel resources becoming more costly: economically, environmentally & geopolitically. A need exists for sustainable, low-cost, bio-based feedstock in the renewable plastics industry. Diversion of food crops, such as corn/soy, for biofuel/bioplastic production impacts food markets. ALGIX, is a clean-tech company that produces bioplastics with aquatic feedstocks, such as algae. We utilize aquatic feedstocks produced by wastewater management and aquaculture facilities. Our bioplastic technology blends aquatic feedstocks with commercial polymers to reduce cost and dependence on fossil-fuel and food-based feedstocks. This further allows our customers to enhance the environmental footprint of their products.
Food sources being used for Bioplastics increase price and heavily impact animal feed market. Algae does impact food pricing like traditional foodstuffs, and can harvested as a waste product from agricultural.
Aquatic Biomass is very attractive for use as feedstock for bioplastics Highest growth rate of all plants Contains natural protein and carbohydrate-based polymers Can remediate Wastewater and CO 2 emissions as a nutrient source Frequent harvesting and can be grown year around in warm climates Does not compete with Food production Technology prefers High Protein Algae, whereas Algae Biomass is typically used for Carbs/Oil ALGAE CELLS ALGAE PELLETS ALGAE HARVEST
Polymer/Additives Aquatic Feedstocks Article + = Durable Resins Biodegradable Resins Plasticizers Compatibilizers Moisture Scavengers VOC Scrubbers Microalgae Cyanobacteria Macrophytes Periphyton Seaweeds Injection Molding Extrusion Films & Fibers Sheet Extrusion Blow Molding Extrusion Foaming Twin Screw Extrusion Compounder End Users
SEM Images of bioplastic surface from 100% microalgae compression molded samples Incomplete Partial Complete
Developed through collaboration with Kimberly-Clark Corporation and the University of Georgia. Can be formed into articles, sheets, and films. Applications in packaging, agriculture, carpets, consumer goods, construction, electronics automotive, etc. Sheet Extrusion Aquatic Biomass Bio-Resins Injection Molding
Micronized algae loaded from 4-12%
Pilot Scale Blown Film line with HoPP: 1-2 mil films
Solaplast 2020 Hyperbranched PLA (60%) + Industrial Algae (40%) Compostable Resin Melt Flow Index Solaplast 2112 PBAT (60%) + Food Grade Algae (40%) Compostable Resin 128 g/10min ASTM D1238 Tensile Strength 28.7 Mpa ASTM D638 Tensile Modulus 1765 Mpa ASTM D639 Elongation 3.3 % ASTM D640 Flexural Strength 8,280 Mpa ASTM D790 Flexural Modulus 722,000 Mpa ASTM D790 Melt Flow Index 5.7 g/10min ASTM D1238 Tensile Strength 5.9 Mpa ASTM D638 Tensile Modulus 145 Mpa ASTM D639 Elongation 24 % ASTM D640 Flexural Strength 1,450 Mpa ASTM D790 Flexural Modulus 32,100 Mpa ASTM D790 Biodegradable
Solaplast 1222 Copolymer PP (60%) + Food Grade Algae (40%) Durable Resin Melt Flow Index 6.5 g/10min ASTM D1238 Tensile Strength 16.4 Mpa ASTM D638 Tensile Modulus 876 Mpa ASTM D639 Elongation 10.4 % ASTM D640 Flexural Strength 5,390 Mpa ASTM D790 Flexural Modulus 231,000 Mpa ASTM D790 Solaplast 1312 EVA (60%) + Food Grade Algae (40%) Durable Resin Melt Flow Index 2.5 g/10min ASTM D1238 Tensile Strength 3.57 Mpa ASTM D638 Tensile Modulus 46.9 Mpa ASTM D639 Elongation 180 % ASTM D640 Flexural Strength 549 Mpa ASTM D790 Flexural Modulus 10,800 Mpa ASTM D790 Durable
Co-Product Strategy for Biofuels Feeding algae sun or sugar Algae meal/residue waste product after oil extraction
Existing treatment ponds naturally grow algae Utilizes existing infrastructure, can be modified to enhance productivity Over 16,000 WWT Facilities in US Delhi Country CA - AIWPS
Harvesting algae growing in existing fish/shrimp ponds US Catfish Industry 90,000 acres of Ponds in Southeast Algae Production estimated at 700-900 MM pounds/yr Algae causes problems with fish yield, flavor and costs Dean Wilson Farms 450 Acres of Ponds R&D Center Large Catfish Farm in Mississippi
Helping build the aquatic biomass supply chain Connecting feedstock end users with algae producers Initial focus on Academic and Corporate R&D, product development Provide detailed feedstock characteristics and compositional analysis Help commoditize the feedstocks and grow the industry
Bo Shi James Wang Mike Gross Bailey Green Butch Wilson KT Hessler Jeff Cernohous Kimberly-Clark Corporation Kimberly-Clark Corporation Kimberly-Clark Corporation GO2 Water Solutions, Inc Catfish Farmers of America Custom Processing Solutions Interfacial Solutions