PreScouter

Synthetic polymers have long been the foundation of packaging materials. However, because synthetic polymers are non-biodegradable, our reliance on them in the packaging industry has led to serious ecological problems. Here are some examples on how long it takes for some packaging to degrade: A Plastic Bag…………………….. 10-20 years A Plastic Film Container…….. 20-30 years Foamed Plastic Cups……… 50 years Plastic Beverage Bottles…… 450 years Biodegradable polymers are intended to reduce waste. Biodegradable is a type of material that can decompose into natural elements under the action of microorganisms within a short period of time after disposal – typically a year or less. It is believed that biodegradable polymers will replace synthetic polymers at a low cost, thereby producing a positive effect both environmentally and economically. Types of Materials Used The property of polymers to biodegrade is defined by their structure and does not depend on the raw material from wh...

Technology scouting is an art and a science. Based on my experiences working with numerous corporate clients on their technology scouting needs, here are some tips to help you become a technology scout. 1- Clear up ambiguity with the customer, at the very start. Whether you are a technology scout as just part of your job, or all of your job, you have a customer. Based on your circumstances, the customer could be: The end customer, who uses your company’s products A marketing team, that comes to you with end customer needs they want solutions for A strategy team, that has determined it would be in the best interests for your company to acquire certain technologies or competencies A product development or R&D team, that would prefer for a solution to be found externally – perhaps because the solution is not core to your company’s competency Whoever your customer is, clearing up any and all ambiguity at the start will ensure the technologies your find are best targeted to thei...

Have you ever wondered about the strength of steel? Well, you will be surprised to know that nanocellulose (NC) is 8 times the strength of stee l . It is also known that NC is stiffer than Kevlar®. In addition to strength, nanocellulose has many properties that make it a sustainable and versatile material for the packaging industry. Brief overview of the packaging industry: The packaging industry has been using materials, based on glass, aluminium, tin and fossil-derived synthetic plastics to protect consumer goods. Owing to the growing economical and environmental concerns of these materials, alternatives are being considered. Recently, the benefits of cellulose-based packaging materials, particularly, nanocellulose, have been considered. Apparently, the prolonged use of such by-products, could help solve the unsustainability, costs and disposal challenges that the industry faces. These nano-sized particles form part of the renewable resources that can potentially solve the susta...