Japan-based ECO Research Institute (ERI) has developed a new method to turn shredded paper into a greener paper-plastic composite and Michigan Molecular Institute is helping to bring the technology to the US.
The company has developed a process that can grind shredded office paper to the micron size range; that recyclate is then used as a filler in thermoplastics.
MMI president and CEO James Plonka said the partnership has led to the formation of Eco Bio Plastics Midland (EBP), which will implement the micro-ground paper-plastic composite technology at a new facility to be built in Midland.
EBP will be the source in the US for bio-plastic pellets produced from compound mixes of plastics and micron-sized dry powder made from shredded paper. The pellets will be used in food service products, packaging materials, toys and heat insulation applications.