Extrusion of soybean-derived bio-resins for rigid plastic packaging
Scalable extrusion technology for producing rigid bio-based plastic packaging from soybean-derived epoxidized resins. Offers a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics with high thermal resistance, strong mechanical properties, and reduced carbon footprint.
Overview
This solution leverages soybean-derived bio-resins to manufacture rigid plastic packaging through scalable extrusion processes. By combining epoxidized soybean oil with green catalysts such as enzymes and methacrylate eugenol hardeners, the technology produces packaging materials with high thermal stability and mechanical strength. The approach addresses growing demand for sustainable packaging alternatives that reduce reliance on petroleum-based plastics and lower carbon footprint across the packaging supply chain.
Technical specifications
- Feedstock preparation: Bio-based epoxidized soybean oil blended with varying concentrations of methacrylate eugenol, green catalyst hardeners for rigidity, and plasticizers
- Processing capability: Single and twin-screw extrusion technology with adjustable temperature, screw speed, die type, and additive levels for sheets, films, or pellets
- Material properties achieved:
- Thermal resistance up to 400°C
- Mechanical strength up to 500 MPa
- Epoxy yield of 98% carbon double bond conversion
- Validation conditions: Exposure testing under O2 and CO2 environments to confirm suitability for industrial packaging
- Scale flexibility: Lab-scale and pilot-scale production capabilities within the same facility
Technology readiness level
The technology has been validated at lab scale with confirmed material properties including thermal resistance, mechanical strength, and epoxy conversion rates. Prior work has produced epoxidized soybean oil, acrylate resins, and films supported by peer-reviewed publications and conference papers. Current efforts focus on validating extrusion-based manufacturing at pilot scale to demonstrate product quality and industrial readiness for rigid plastic packaging applications.
About South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university serving a large statewide community. Industry engages through a university‑linked research and technology park that colocates tenant companies with faculty labs and pilot‑scale processing suites for de‑risking and demonstration. A statewide extension network and field sites provide real‑world environments for validation and market feedback, while shared‑use core facilities and tailored workforce pipelines connect talent and tools to corporate R&D. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from USDA and NSF, with additional awards from NIH and DOE, alongside state and industry partnerships. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP and industry agreements, and incubator space at the research park supports startup formation and scale‑up.
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