Conference Speakers

Octavius Davies

Sr. Account Manager, CJ Biomaterials, Inc.

BIOGRAPHY

Octavius, a graduate of UNC-Charlotte with a bachelor's in chemistry and an MBA in marketing, is a Senior Account Manager at CJ Biomaterials. He joined CJ Biomaterials team in April of this year bringing a diverse background spanning industries such as raw materials, coatings, specialty chemicals for medical devices and minerals for films and nonwovens. Known for his strategic insights, Octavius previously served on the WOW committee. His expertise and innovative approach make him a valued addition to the biomaterials industry.

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Using Unique Amorphous PHA to Enhance the Processing, Performance, and Sustainability of PLA Spunbond Nonwovens

CJ Biomaterials has developed a family of differentiated biobased, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) based on 4-hyroxybutyrate that deliver unique performance and sustainability attributes for applications from compostable food serviceware to softer nonwovens for hygiene products. The PHACT™ portfolio of grades includes the new to the world amorphous PHA (PHACT™ A1000P, >30-mol% 4- hydroxybutyrate) that can be combined with polylactic acid (PLA) to create 100% biobased, spunbond nonwovens for wipes, diapers, and other hygiene applications. When combined with PLA, PHACT™ A1000P improves the performance of PLA resulting in improved flexibility, reduced brittleness, and enhanced tear propagation. In spunbond nonwovens, amorphous PHA improves softness and tensile strength compared to PLA alone in addition to broadening the process window of PLA nonwovens.

CJ Biomaterials recently introduced a compounded masterbatch specifically designed for staple fiber and nonwoven applications. The new PHACT™ MA1350Q compound is composed of 45% amorphous PHA and 55% PLA by weight and is targeted as a safe, biobased, home compostable solution for the nonwovens market. This product is designed to facilitate the inclusion of amorphous PHA at desired levels by the converter, with final performance and end-of-life requirements dictating the relative amount of PHACT™ MA1350Q blended into PLA. This presentation will highlight the properties and end-of-life benefits achieved when combining amorphous PHA with PLA in a range of concentrations and used in producing both staple fiber and spunbond nonwovens.