Thermoplastic Biocomposites, also referred to as wood-plastic composites or "WPC", comprise one of the most dynamic sectors in today's plastics industry. They refer to any organic cellulose fiber, either in flake, strand or flour form that is encapsulated in a thermoplastic matrix. This matrix can be any combination of polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene or other olefin polymers.

When compounded into pellets using coupling agents or "compatibalizers", thermoplastic biocomposites can be used as a raw material replacement for pure-polymer resins in the manufacture of plastic components. Most of the current compound production globally is used in extruded decking because, until recently, the performance capabilities of thermoplastic biocomposites did not allow for successful injection molding.

However, with its JERtech® thermoplastic biocomposites JER is completely changing this paradigm. The Company has proven time and time again that its custom-engineered compounds can be injection molded into a wide range of desired shapes requiring high dimensional tolerances and using existing equipment with little or no retooling. With their higher level of quality and capability JERtech® compounds are opening a whole new range of possibilities for customers in both the extrusion and injection molding industries.

The Flexibility of JERtech®

JER's significant compounding experience and adaptable technology enables it to create highly customized JERtech® thermoplastic biocomposites using a wide range of polymers, including:

  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
  • Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
  • Polystyrene (PS)
  • Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
  • Thermo Plastic Elastomer (TPE)
  • Nylon

Currently, JER compounds these polymers with a wide variety of cellulose fibers, including wood (pine, oak, maple, etc.) and rice hulls. The result is a high quality JERtech®thermoplastic biocomposite that will ideally suite your application.

Why Use JERtech® Thermoplastic Biocomposites?

  • High Performance

    JERtech® thermoplastic biocomposites flow and process surprisingly well and offer performance similar to other filled polymers and depending on the formulation rival that of pure polymer.

  • Lower Cost

    You can replace your pure polymer inputs with a JERtech® formulation using up to 50% low cost cellulose fiber. Although there are additional processing costs to compound a JERtech® formulation, you can still expect a savings of 20% or more over pure polymer alteratives. These savings go directly to your organization's bottom line. In addition, your organization is less exposed to the dramatic increases in input costs, as pure polymers will more closely correlate with petroleum prices.

    Finally, JERtech® compounds are processed effectively using significantly lower temperature profiles than pure polymers. This can save your organization up to 30% in energy savings.

  • It's an Environmental Solution

    The cellulose fibers used in JERtech® thermoplastic biocomposites are sourced as byproducts from either the forestry or agricultural industries. JER's products REDUCE THE NEGATIVE IMPACT on agricultural, forest and natural habitats. JER uses only waste, post-industrial and/or recycled bio-fibers. No additional crops need be planted. No forests need be cut.

    In addition, JERtech® thermoplastic biocomposites can be manufactured using olefin polymers sourced from the recycling industry. The end result is a high performance compound comprising up to 98% recycled and reclaimed material.

Whether you require a highly loaded master batch to blend and make your own custom product or a fully compounded combination that you can process with no added steps, JER has a JERtech® biocomposite solution that's right for your organization.