Strategy for sustainability in the era of carbon neutrality

Increasing carbon emission leads to global climate change and gives rise to threatening impact on the sustainability of the human society. By the mid-century achieving carbon neutrality worldwide, the industry needs to reform by decoupling the economic growth from the utilization of fossil-based resources such as oil, coal and natural gas. Carbon border tax (CBT) will be imposed on the goods exported to EU since 2023 and it can be anticipated in the other major economic entities. For a typical example in plastic industry, an additional cost derived from CBT will be about USD8.5 and USD23.5 for each ton of S-PVC and E-PVC product respectively.

Due to the heavy use of fossil fuel for generating electricity power, the products made in Taiwan exhibit high carbon footprint. To reduce carbon emission achieving sustainable development, an effective solution is to use regenerable materials exhibiting the capacity of carbon sequestration such as starch and cellulose. In a report published by European Starch Industry Association (AAF), for synthesizing one ton of dry starch in the biogenic crops will uptake about 1.5tons of CO2 from the air. The supplier will gain 0.75ton carbon credit if a product contains 50% of starch that may compromise an equivalent carbon emission in in the supply chain.Therefore, we have received plenty of inquiries intending to make starch or cellulose (plant fibers)-based polyolefin or biodegradable composites by use of TwinScrew’s extruders.

Since 2016 TwinScrew’s extruding system has been applied to blend starch and PBAT and the composite granules has been used for making film products and gain the DIN CERTCO’s compostable certification in 2019. In addition, TwinScrew’s team has also collaborated with the client developing materials for making plates, tubes and the products made by injection molding technology. Along with our client’s success, we have also accumulated professional expertise in the mechanical requirements specific for bio-based and/or biodegradable materials. We have also in depth developed the knowledge for optimizing the process parameters in the production lines. It is valuable for process development and trouble shooting at the first time.

In Sep. 2020, TwinScrew’s reputation in processing of ecofriendly materials has recognized by a client who has no prior involvement in extrusion technology. The client urgently needed a solution making PBS/plant fiber-blended granules to fulfill the demands in making bio-degradable straws for the consumers in Europe and China. In a period of two months, TwinScrew’s team efficiently prepared a pilot running followed by formula changes, and mechanical revision in 5 times operational running before the straw products were qualified by the users. In Jan. 2021, Twin Screw delivered a extrusion granulating line and enabled the client to ship the products on time in the following month.

To be adaptable in the era carbon neutrality and accessible to the emerging markets, each industry sector needs to deploy resources as early as possible. TwinScrew is your best partner exploring the capacity for carbon sequestration.