Home compostable non-woven and multilayer structures

Abstract

Home compostable non-wovens having a basis weight below 5000 gram per square meter comprising fibers or filaments having fiber titers below 500 dtex of polymer composition A wherein polymer composition A comprises 15 to 85 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the polylactic acid a) and the aliphatic-aromatic biodegradable polyester b), of at least one polylactic acid a) and 15 to 85 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the polylactic acid a) and the aliphatic-aromatic biodegradable polyester b), of at least one biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester.

Description

[0001] 241117

[0002] Home compostable non-woven and multilayer structures

[0003] Description

[0004] The present invention relates to a home compostable non-woven and multilayer structures comprising at least one non-woven layer, the use of polymer composition A for manufacturing such home compostable non-wovens or multilayer structures, a process for the manufacture of such home compostable non-wovens and multilayer structures and to articles comprising such home compostable non-woven and multilayer structures.

[0005] Foodstuffs such as coffee, tea, condiments, snack food, confectionery etc. are often packaged in plastic films, nonwovens or multilayer structures for hygiene and for shelflife reasons. High demands in respect of tear propagation strength, puncture resistance and transparency as well as sealability, adhesion or filterability are placed on the films, nonwovens and multilayer structures as well as protection of the packed foodstuffs against environmental influences like humidity and oxygen. In addition, nonwovens are applied in many other different applications such as hygienic or medical applications where e.g. breathability, light, thin and soft components or filtering abilities play an important role, agricultural applications to ensure water permeability or weed control and construction applications and geotextiles focusing e.g. on erosion control.

[0006] Non-wovens are usually prepared from thermoplastic materials. Non-biodegradable thermoplastic materials such as polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinylchloride have long been established in packaging. However, these conventional thermoplastic materials face an increasing criticism for environmental reasons, in particular with regard to plastic littering and sustainable circular economy. To circumvent such problems biodegradable thermoplastic polymers were developed both from natural and fossil resources. Such biodegradable alternatives are aliphatic-aromatic polyesters like poly(butylene-co-adipate-co- terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(butylene-co-azelate-co-terephthalate) (PBAzT) and poly(butylene-co-sebacate-co-terephthalate) (PBSeT), aliphatic polyesters like poly(butylene-co-succinate) (PBS), starch and its derivatives like thermoplastic starch (TPS), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and polyhydroxy alkanoates (PHA).

[0007] It has to be noticed, that terms like “biodegradability”, “biodegradable” and 241117

[0008] 2

[0009] “compostability” are used for biological degradation under a wide range of different environmental conditions. The result of the biodegradability is generally that the polymers or polymer mixtures break down within an appropriate and demonstrable period. The biological degradation may be brought about enzymatically, hydrolytically, oxidatively, and / or via exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as UV radiation, and is mostly predominantly caused by exposure to microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and algae and depends on the specific ambient conditions. In consequence different standards were developed for the determination of biodegradability or compostability under specified conditions.

[0010] An example of requirements and methods for quantifying the biodegradability of polyesters in compost is defined in DIN EN 13432 (December 2000, “Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation”). Compostability according to this standard simulates decomposition in industrial composting plants and requires that a material mixed with compost under defined conditions of temperature of 58 ± 2°C, oxygen and moisture in the presence of micro-organisms as specified in ISO 14855 : 1999, must have biodegraded within at maximum six months to at least 90 % in total (“absolute” CO2 evolution) or 90 % of the maximum biodegradation of a reference material, e.g. cellulose, (“relative” CO2 evolution) into water, carbon dioxide and biomass. The percentage of biodegradation is based on the conversion of the carbon content of the test substance into carbon dioxide. The compostability under these conditions is also called industrial compostability.

[0011] Another example is DIN EN 17033:2018, which defines that a polymer blend used for the production of soil biodegradable mulch films is "biodegradable in soil", if this polymer blend reaches a percentage of biodegradation of at least 90% in total or 90 % of the maximum biodegradation of a reference material within 2 years under the conditions specified in DIN EN ISO 17556.

[0012] Other methods of determining biodegradability are described by way of example in ASTM D5338 and ASTM D6400.

[0013] Home compostability of a polymer composition can be determined by following the methods described in ISO 14855-1 (2012) or EN ISO 14855-2 but using a lower temperature. The criteria for reaching home compostability are e.g. defined in ISO DIN EN 17427:2022. According to this norm a polymer composition can be classified as home compostable if it reaches according 90% absolute or relative CO2 evolution 241117

[0014] 3 within 365 days at a temperature in the range of from 25 + / -5°C, i.e. the polymer composition is biodegradable under less severe conditions than industrial composting conditions.

[0015] Home compostability is valuable for materials used in single use packaging, e.g. in private households. In particular, the value of biodegradation is favorable for food contaminated packaging which cannot be properly mechanically recycled. In countries and regions without access to an established infrastructure of industrial biowaste treatment facilities like composting or anaerobic digestion plants, home composting is of a benefit.

[0016] An article like a food container or a film or layer structure used to made of one or more certified home compostable polymers cannot be directly claimed and / or certified as home compostable. This is due to the fact that the producer of the article has to prove that this article does fulfill the requirements for home compostable articles as defined by relevant standards like the Australian Standard AS 5810 (2010), the French standard NF T 51800 (2015) or in the future also the European Standard EN 17427. Here a key requirement is the disintegration of the article under home composting conditions. Disintegration plays an important role because a product must not only be able to be completely biodegraded by microorganisms, but it also needs to disintegrate within a definite timeframe. Disintegration under home composting conditions however strongly depends on different parameters of the finished article such as the size, form, thickness, processing, the way different components are brought together, etc.

[0017] Some of the biodegradable polymers mentioned above are compostable under industrial conditions but not under home composting conditions. Examples are polylactic acid, polyhydroxy octanoate, poly(butylene-co-succinate), and mixtures of polylactic acid and polyhydroxy butyrate. Others are compostable under industrial composting conditions as well as under the less severe conditions of home composting, e.g. thermoplastic starch, polyhydroxy butyrate, poly(butylene-co- sebacate-co-terephthalate), polycaprolactone and certain mixtures of polylactic acid and polycaprolactone, see e.g. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2018, 52, pages 10441-10452.

[0018] The biodegradable polymers are usually used in mixtures combining different biodegradable polymers. Ideally, these mixtures combine the desirable properties of the individual components, for example the generally good processing and mechanical properties, relatively low-cost availability and environmentally non-hazardous 241117

[0019] 4 preparation and disposal of the polymers.

[0020] US 2008 / 0281018A1 describes biodegradable polyester mixtures comprising 5 to 80 wt.-% of a biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester and 20 to 95 wt.-% of a biodegradable polyester selected from polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoates and aliphatic polyesters, a copolymer comprising epoxy groups and optionally further additives and fillers. Such compositions are widely used in the manufacture of flexible films for different applications, e.g. mulch films, consumer bags and waste bags, and for coating and lamination on a substrate. The addition of the rigid polymer polylactide to the biodegradable polyesters increases the E-modulus and tensile strength of the polyester composition and improves the processability of the composition during film blowing. The compositions of polylactic acid and biodegradable polyester may comprise further components like fillers and additional biodegradable polymers.

[0021] As mentioned above polylactic acid per se is not home compostable and so are compositions containing polylactic acid (>10%) and other biodegradable polymers like polyhydroxybutyrate. Similar behavior is also expected for mixtures comprising predominantly polylactic acid and minor amounts of an aliphatic-aromatic polyesters like poly(butylene-co-adipate-co-terephthalate). However, this is different for compositions comprising polycaprolactone and polylactic acid, which are completely home compostable. Unfortunately, polycaprolactone is very expensive and is available from fossil origin only.

[0022] It was therefore an object of the present invention to provide a polymer composition that can be processed into non-wovens which are home compostable and non-wovens and multilayer structures comprising such non-wovens that are home compostable.

[0023] Surprisingly it was found that such home compostable non-wovens and multilayer structures can be provided by using a polymer composition comprising a) 15 to 85 wt.-%, based on the total weight of polylactic acid a) and polyester b), of at least one polylactic acid a); b) 15 to 85 wt.-%, based on the total weight of polylactic acid a) and the polyester b), of at least one biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b) derived from: b-1) 20 bis 70 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2), of at least one aliphatic C7-C18 dicarboxylic acid or C7-C18 dicarboxylic acid 241117

[0024] 5 derivative, mixtures thereof or a mixture thereof with a C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid or C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid derivative, b-2) 80 bis 30 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2), of at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid or aromatic dicarboxylic acid derivative, b-3) 98 to 102 mol %, based on the total amount of b-1) and b-2), of an aliphatic C2-C10 diol, b-4) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3), of an at least trihydric alcohol, and b-5) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3), of a chain extender; c) 0 to 40 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one biodegradable polyester different from the biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b); d) 0 to 55 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one starch- or cellulose- based polymer; e) 0 to 40 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one inorganic filler; and f) 0 to 40 wt%, based on components a) to f), of at least one compound selected from cross-linking agents, chain extenders, stabilizers, nucleating agents, lubricants, release agents, surfactants, waxes, antistatic agents, antifogging agent, dyes, pigments, UV absorbers, UV stabilizers, oxygen scavengers, dispersing agents, and other plastics additives; for producing non-wovens having a basis weight below 5000 gram per square meter comprising fibers or filaments of polymer composition A having fiber titers below 500 dtex.

[0025] The present invention relates also to the home compostable non-wovens having a basis weight below 5000 gram per square meter comprising fibers or filaments of polymer composition A having fiber titers below 500 dtex and multilayer structures comprising at least one of said non-woven wherein the polymer composition comprises a) 15 to 85 wt.-%, based on the total weight of polylactic acid a) and polyester b), of at least one polylactic acid a); b) 15 to 85 wt.-%, based on the total weight of polylactic acid a) and the polyester b), of at least one biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b) derived from: b-1) 20 bis 70 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2), of at least one aliphatic C7-C18 dicarboxylic acid or C7-C18 dicarboxylic acid derivative, mixtures thereof or a mixture thereof with a C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid or C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid derivative, 241117

[0026] 6 b-2) 80 bis 30 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2), of at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid or aromatic dicarboxylic acid derivative, b-3) 98 to 102 mol %, based on the total amount of b-1) and b-2), of an aliphatic C2-C10 diol, b-4) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3), of an at least trihydric alcohol, and b-5) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3), of a chain extender; c) 0 to 40 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one biodegradable polyester different from the biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b); d) 0 to 55 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one starch- or cellulose- based polymer; e) 0 to 40 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one inorganic filler; and f) 0 to 40 wt%, based on components a) to f), of at least one compound selected from cross-linking agents, chain extenders, stabilizers, nucleating agents, lubricants, release agents, surfactants, waxes, antistatic agents, antifogging agent, dyes, pigments, UV absorbers, UV stabilizers, oxygen scavengers, dispersing agents, and other plastics additives.

[0027] Other objects of the present invention are a process for producing such home compostable non-wovens and multilayer structures and articles comprising such home compostable non-wovens and multilayer structures.

[0028] The present invention is described in more detail below.

[0029] Home compostability can be determined by different methods and standards as laid down in different norms and regulatory requirements. Such norms and regulatory requirements may be different from each other depending on the current laws and regulations regarding the certification of home compostability, which are in place in different territories and countries. Examples are ISO DIN EN 17427:2022 and the French standard NF T 51-800 Plastics - Specifications for plastics suitable for home compositing (2015). In principle, the home compostability may be determined according to any of such norms and standards.

[0030] According to preferred example of the determination of home compostability of a 241117

[0031] 7 polymer or polymer composition, such polymer or polymer composition is classified as home compostable in case particles of the polymer or polymer composition having a particle size in the range of 100 to 300 microns reaches 90% absolute or relative CO2 evolution within 365 days at a temperature of 25 + / - 5°C determined according to 14855-1 (2012) or EN ISO 14855-2 (2012).

[0032] The home compostability of a film is preferably determined according to ISO DIN EN 17427:2022.

[0033] The polymer composition used for producing the fibers or filaments comprised in the non-wovens comprises 15 to 85 wt.-% of at least one polylactic acid a), based on the total weight of polylactic acid a) and aliphatic-aromatic biodegradable polyester b).

[0034] Polylactic acid (PLA), also known as polylactide, is a thermoplastic polyester with backbone formula (C3H4O2)n or [-C(CH3)HC(=O)O-]n, formally obtained by condensation of lactic acid C(CH3)(OH)HCOOH with loss of water. It can also be prepared by ring-opening polymerization of either D-lactide, L-lactide, meso-lactide or mixtures thereof. In case only D- or only L-lactide are polymerized, the resulting polymer chains consist essentially of D- or L-lactic acid units, respectively. In case of polymerizing of a mixture of D- and L-lactide longer sequences of -(D)nand -(L)nare obtained due to the random polymerization of D- and L-lactide. In case the PLA is prepared from D-lactide and L-lactide only, i.e. without meso-lactide, the minimum block length of the D- and L-lactic units in the polylactide is 2 from a theoretical point of view. This would only be the case in a strict alternating reaction of D- and L-lactide. The latter also holds true if mixtures of either L-lactide and a minor amount of mesolactide or D-lactide with a minor amount of meso-lactide are polymerized.

[0035] The term “units derived from lactic acids”, also referred to as “lactic units”, means the monomeric lactic acid units derived from L-lactic acid or D-lactic acid.

[0036] Polylactic acid containing mainly repeating units derived from meso-lactide is also called poly(meso-lactide) or poly(meso-lactic acid) and may be abbreviated as PM LA herein. Meso-lactide is the cyclic diester of a D-lactic acid and a L-lactic acid. Essentially, the homopolymerization of meso-lactide yields a polymer wherein the D- lactic acid units and the L-lactic acid units are distributed quite regular in the polymer chain, since there could be a reaction by two L-lactic acids units or two D-lactic acids units (head to head reaction) resulting in the sequence -(L-D-D-L-)nor -(D-L-L-D-)nor 241117

[0037] 8 there can be a reaction of the L-lactic acid unit with a D-lactic acid unit (head to tail reaction) resulting in the sequence -(D-L-D-L)n. This means the average sequence length, also called average block length of L-lactic units and D-lactic units resulting from the ring opening polymerization and neglecting any transesterification reactions is at a minimum 1 and at a maximum 2. Random polymerization of meso-lactide yields an average sequence length of the consecutive D- and L-lactic acid units between these limits, i.e. between 1 and 2. Additionally, the ratio of D- and L-lactic acid units in the polymers derived from meso-lactide only is close to 1 :1. Further details and information about the preparation of poly(meso-lactide) are described in US 5,142,023 and WO 2020 / 251745A1.

[0038] The polylactic acid may further contain repeating units formed from other monomers that are co-polymerizable with meso-lactide or D- or L-lactide, such as alkylene oxides (including ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, tetramethylene oxide, and the like), cyclic lactones, or carbonates. Repeating units derived from these other monomers can be present in block and / or random arrangements. These other repeating units may constitute up to 10% by weight of the polylactic acid, preferably from 0% to 5% by weight, especially preferred from about 0% to 2% by weight, of the PLA, and may be absent. The remaining weight of the polylactic acid may include residues of an initiator compound, which is often used during the polymerization process to provide molecular weight control. Suitable such initiators include, for example, water, alcohols, polyhydroxy compounds of various types (such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, other glycol ethers, glycerin, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, hydroxyl-terminated butadiene polymers, and the like), polycarboxyl-containing compounds, and compounds having at least one carboxyl and one hydroxyl group (such a lactic acid or lactic acid oligomer). The initiator residue preferably constitutes no more than 5%, and especially no more than 2% of the weight of the polylactic acid except in the case in which the initiator is a residue of a lactic acid or lactic acid oligomer, which can constitute any proportion of the polylactic acid.

[0039] The polylactic acid may have a number-average molecular weight as measured by GPC in THF against a polystyrene standard of at least 5 000 g / mol, preferably at least 20 000 g / mol, more preferred at least 30 000 g / mol and most preferred more than 50 000 g / mol. Preferably, the upper limit of the number-average molecular weight is 200 000 g / mol, more preferred 130 000 g / mol. Preferably polylactic acid has a numberaverage molecular weight in the range of 5 000 g / mol to 200 000, more preferred the 241117

[0040] 9 number-average molecular weights is in the range of 20 000 to 200 000 g / mol, even more preferred in the range of 30 000 to 130 000 g / mol, in particular in the range of 50 000 to 130 000 g / mol..

[0041] The polylactic acid may have a relative viscosity of 1.1 to 6, such as 1.25 to 5, or 1.5 to 3.5, measured using a 1% wt / vol solution of the polylactic acid in chloroform against a chloroform standard on a capillary viscometer at 30°C.

[0042] The polylactic acid may have a melt volume rate (MVR) to EN ISO 1133 (190°C, 2.16 kg weight) of 0.5 to 80, preferably 2 to 40 cm3 / 10 min.

[0043] The polylactic acid may be crystalline, semi-crystalline or amorphous. Particularly, suitable polylactic acid has a melting or softening point below 240°C, particularly below 230°C, especially below 220°C, as determined by DSC. Generally, the melting point of crystalline or semi crystalline polylactic acid will be at least 120°C.

[0044] Polylactic acids are commercially available from NatureWorks, for example, under the trade name Ingeo™ 6201 D, Ingeo™ 6202D, Ingeo™ 6251 D, Ingeo™ 3051 D, Ingeo™ 4043D, Ingeo™ 3251 D; Ingeo™ 4950D; from Total Corbion under the trade name Luminy® LX975, Luminy® LX930, Luminy® LX175; Luminy® LX575, Luminy® L130, Luminy® LX530, Luminy® L105; from Hisun under the trade name Revode 110, Revode 190 Revode 290.

[0045] Particularly preferred the polylactic acid has the following range of properties:

[0046] • a melt volume rate (MVR) to EN ISO 1133 (190°C, 2.16 kg weight) of 0.5 to 80 especially 2 to 40 cm3 / 10 min;

[0047] • a melting point below 240° C;

[0048] • a water content of below 1000 ppm;

[0049] • a residual (lactide) monomer content of below 0.3%;

[0050] • a molecular weight Mwof above 80.000 daltons.

[0051] The concentration of the polylactic acid a) in the polymer composition is at least 15 wt- %, preferably at least 20 wt.-%, more preferred at least 25 wt.-%, even more preferred at least 35 wt.-% and in particular preferred at least 45 wt.-% based on the total weight of components a) and b). The maximum concentration of the polylactic acid a) in the polymer composition is 85 wt.-%, preferably 80 wt.-%, and more preferred 75 wt.-%, based on the total weight of components a) and b). Preferably the concentration range 241117

[0052] 10 of the polylactic acid a) 15 to 80 wt.-%, more preferred 20 to 80 wt.-%, even more preferred 25 to 80 wt.-%, most preferred 35 to 75 wt.-% and in particular preferred 45 to 75 wt.-%, based on the total weight of components a) and b).

[0053] The polymer composition to be used for the fibers and filaments comprised in the non- wovens comprises 15 to 85 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the polylactic acid a) and the aliphatic-aromatic biodegradable polyester b), of at least one biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b) derived from: b-1) 20 bis 70 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2), of at least one aliphatic C7-C18 dicarboxylic acid or C7-C18 dicarboxylic acid derivative, mixtures thereof or a mixture thereof with a C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid or C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid derivative, b-2) 80 bis 30 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2), of at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid or aromatic dicarboxylic acid derivative, b-3) 98 to 102 mol %, based on the total amount of b-1) and b-2), of an aliphatic C2- C10 diol, b-4) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3), of an at least trihydric alcohol, and b-5) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3), of a chain extender.

[0054] The aliphatic C4-C6 and C7- C18 dicarboxylic acids and C4-C6 and C7- C18 dicarboxylic acid derivatives b-1) are preferably a, co-dicarboxylic acids. The derivatives may be the Ci - Ce dialkyl esters or anhydrides. Examples of the Ci - Ce dialkylesters are dimethyl, diethyl, di-n-propyl, diisopropyl, di-n-butyl, diisobutyl, di— tert— butyl, di-n-pentyl, diisopentyl, and di n-hexylesters. Preferred are the Ci - C4 dialkyl esters and in particular preferred are the dimethyl esters.

[0055] Preferably b-1) is selected from C7 - C16 - and more preferably from C7 - C13 dicarboxylic acids, their derivatives, mixtures thereof, and mixtures of these aforementioned acids and acid derivatives with a C4-C6 , preferably a Ce dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid derivative or mixtures thereof. Preferably component b-1) of the biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b) is at least partially selected from sebacic acid, azelaic acid and brassylic acid, their derivatives, their mixtures and mixtures thereof with adipic acid, a derivative of succinic, adipic acid or mixtures thereof, preferably adipic acid, a derivative of adipic acid or a mixture thereofe. More preferred component b-1) of the biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b) is selected from sebacic acid, azelaic acid and brassylic acid, their derivatives, their mixtures and mixtures thereof with succinic acid, adipic acid, a derivative of succinic acid and / or adipic acid or mixtures thereof, preferably mixtures with adipic acid, a derivative of adipic acid or mixtures thereof.

[0056] Examples of suited aliphatic dicarboxylic acids are succinic and adipic acid as C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid and pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, undecanedioic acid, dodecanedioic acid, brassylic acid, tetradecanedioic acid, pentadecanedioic acid, hexadecanedioic acid, heptadecanedioic acid, octadecanedioic acid C7 - Cis dicarboxylic acids, their derivatives, in particular the Ci - C4 dialkyl esters, and mixtures thereof. Preferably the aliphatic C4-C6 is succinic and / or adipic acid, preferably adipic acid, and the C7- C18 dicarboxylic acids are selected from azelaic acid, sebacic acid, 1 ,12-dodecanoic acid, brassylic acid, their derivatives, more preferred the Ci - C4 alkyl esters, and mixtures thereof. In particular preferred the aliphatic dicarboxylic acids are selected from azelaic acid, sebacic acid and brassylic acid, their Ci - C4 alkyl esters, their mixtures and mixtures thereof with adipic acid, derivatives of adipic acid or mixtures thereof. Azelaic acid, sebacic acid, and brassylic acid have the additional advantage of being available from renewable raw materials. Examples of mixtures with adipic acid are a mixture of adipic acid and sebacic acid or their derivatives and a mixture of adipic acid with azelaic acid or their derivatives.

[0057] Examples of mixtures with succinic acid are a mixture of succinic acid and sebacic acid or their derivatives and a mixture of succinic acid with azelaic acid or their derivatives . Most preferred b-1) is selected from sebacic acid, its derivatives, mixtures thereof and mixtures thereof with succinic and / or adipic acid, a derivative of succinic and / or adipic acid and mixtures thereof, in particular b-1) is selected from sebacic acid, its derivatives, mixtures thereof and mixtures thereof with adipic acid, a derivative of adipic acid and mixtures thereof. b-1) may be selected from mixtures of at least two aliphatic acids or their derivatives. Examples of such mixtures are mixtures of sebacic acid and azelaic acid or their derivatives, mixtures of succinic and / or adipic acid and sebacic acid or their derivatives and mixtures of succinic and / or adipic acid with azelaic acid or their derivatives.

[0058] Most preferred b-1) is selected from sebacic acid, sebacic acid derivatives and mixtures of thereof with one or more C4-C18 dicarboxylic acid or acid derivative different from sebacic acid or its derivatives, and from azelaic acid, azelaic acid derivatives, and mixtures of azelaic acid and / or azelaic acid derivative with one or more C4-C18 12 dicarboxylic acid or acid derivative different from sebacic acid or its derivatives, in particular preferred b-1) is selected from sebacic acid, sebacic acid derivatives and mixtures of thereof and mixtures thereof with one or more C4-C18 dicarboxylic acid or acid derivative different from sebacic acid or its derivatives, in particular in mixture with succinic and / or adipic acid or their derivatives or mixtures thereof as C4-C18 dicarboxylic acid or acid derivative different from sebacic acid or its derivatives.

[0059] The aromatic dicarboxylic acids or aromatic dicarboxylic acid derivatives b-2) are preferably selected from aromatic and heteroaromatic C6-C12 dicarboxylic acids, more preferred from aromatic and heteroaromatic Ce-Cs dicarboxylic acids, and their derivatives. Examples of such aromatic and heteroaromatic dicarboxylic acids and derivatives are terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, 2,6-naphthoic acid and 1 ,5-naphthoic acid, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, 2,4-furandicarboxylic acid, 2,3-furandicarboxylic acid, 3,4-furandicarboxylic acid, their Ci-Ce dialkyl esters, their anhydrides, where applicable, and mixtures thereof. Preferred are the C1-C4 dialkyl esters, in particular preferred are methyl esters. Examples of the Ci-Ce -dialkylesters are dimethyl, diethyl, di-n-propyl, diisopropyl, di-n-butyl, diisobutyl, di— tert— butyl, di-n-pentyl, diisopentyl, and di-n-hexylesters. Preferably the aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their derivatives are selected from terephthalic acid, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and their derivatives, preferably their C1-C4 alkyl esters. In particular preferred are terephthalic acid and its C1-C4 alkyl esters.

[0060] Preferably the biodegradable polyester b) is derived from b-1) 20 bis 70 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2), of at least one aliphatic C7-C13 dicarboxylic acid or C7-C13 dicarboxylic acid derivative, mixtures thereof or mixtures thereof with a C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid or C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid derivative, b-2) 80 bis 30 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2), of at least one dicarboxylic acid selected form terephthalic acid, furan dicarboxylic acid, their derivatives, and mixtures thereof. b-3) 98 to 102 mol %, based on the total amount of b-1) and b-2), of an aliphatic C3-C4 diol, b-4) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3), of an at least trihydric alcohol, and b-5) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3), of a chain extender. 241117

[0061] 13

[0062] The concentration of the aromatic dicarboxylic acid or aromatic dicarboxylic acid derivative b-2) is 80 to 30 mol-%, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b- 2). In case the aromatic dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid derivative is terephthalic acid or a derivative thereof, its concentration in the polyester is preferably 70 to 30 mol- %. In case the aromatic dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid derivative is a furan dicarboxylic acid like 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, its concentration in the polyester is preferably 80 to 50 mol-%, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2).

[0063] The aliphatic diol b-3) is selected from aliphatic C2-C10 diols, preferably from C2-C6 diols, more preferred from C2-C4 diols and in particular preferred from C3-C4 diols. Examples of suitable aliphatic C2-C10 diols are 1,2-ethanediol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3- propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1 ,3- propanediol (neopentyl glycol), 1,6-hexanediol, 2,4-dimethyl-2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol,

[0064] 2.2-dimethyl-1 ,3-propanediol, 2-ethyl-2-butyl- 1 ,3-propanediol, 2-ethyl-2-isobutyl-1 ,3 propanediol and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediol, cyclopentanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanediol,

[0065] 1.2-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1 ,3 cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, isosorbide, isoiodide and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1 ,3 cyclobutanediol. Preferred aliphatic C2-C10 diols are 1,2-ethanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol and 1,6-hexanediol, more preferred are 1,3-propanediol and 1,4-butanediol, most preferred is 1,4- butanediol. It is also possible to use mixtures of different aliphatic diols. Preferably the aliphatic diol b-3) contains at least 50% by moles of one or more diols selected from

[0066] 1.2-ethanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,6-hexanediol and 1,4-butanediol, in particular preferred at least 50% by moles 1,4-butanediol.

[0067] In particular preferred are diols generated from renewable resources like 1,4-butanediol from either direct fermentation (W02008 / 115840) or from the hydrogenation of biobased succinic acid or 1,3-propanediol from fermentation developed by DuPont and Tate & Lyle.

[0068] The aliphatic diol b-3) is present in a concentration of 98 to 102 mol-%, based on the based on the total amount of b-1) and b-2).

[0069] Preferred biodegradable polyesters b) are aliphatic-aromatic polyesters wherein component b-1) of the biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b) is at least partially selected from sebacic acid, azelaic acid and brassylic acid, their derivatives, and mixtures thereof; component b-2) is selected form terephthalic acid and furane 241117

[0070] 14 dicarboxylic acid, their derivatives, and mixtures thereof and b-3) is selected from 1,3- propane diol and 1,4-butane diol.

[0071] In particular preferred are aliphatic-aromatic polyesters wherein the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and its derivative b-1) are selected from sebacic acid, azelaic acid and brassylic acid, their derivatives, mixtures thereof and mixtures thereof with succinic and / or adipic acid, their derivatives or mixtures thereof; component b-2) is selected form terephthalic acid and furane dicarboxylic acid, their derivatives, and mixtures thereof and b-3) is selected from 1,3-propane diol and 1,4-butane diol.

[0072] The biodegradable polyester b) may contain a branching agent as component b-4), which contains at least three functional groups which are capable of reacting with a diol or a dicarboxylic acid. Examples are at least trihydric alcohols like glycerol, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, polyethertriols and sorbitol or carboxylic acids and hydroxy acids or anhydrides containing three or more groups selected from carboxylic acid groups, carboxylic acid anhydride groups and hydroxy groups like tartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, trimesic acid, trimellitic acid, trimellitic anhydride, pyromellitic and pyromellitic dianhydride, preferred are trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, and glycerol, in particular preferred are trimethylolpropane and glycerol. Component b-4) can be used to construct biodegradable polyesters having structural viscosity. Melt rheology improves in that the biodegradable polyesters become easier to process, for example easier to pull into self-supporting films / sheets by melt solidification.

[0073] The concentration of the at least trifunctional branching agent b-4) in the biodegradable polyester is 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3) in the final polyester. In case the at least trifunctional branching agent b-4) is present in the biodegradable polyester, the concentration is usually 0.01 to 2 wt%, preferably 0.05 to 1 wt%, and particular preferred 0.08 to 0.20 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3) in the final polyester.

[0074] The biodegradable polyester b) may comprise as component b-5) a chain extender. Chain extenders are polyfunctional and especially difunctional isocyanates, isocyanurates, oxazolines, carboxylic anhydrides, carbodiimides or epoxides.

[0075] The term “epoxides” is to be understood as meaning particularly epoxy-containing copolymer based on styrene, acrylic ester and / or methacrylic ester, preferably of the 241117

[0076] 15 styrene-glycidylether-methylmethacrylate type. The units which bear epoxy groups are preferably glycidyl (meth)acrylates. Copolymers having a glycidyl methacrylate content of greater than 20, more preferably greater than 30 and even more preferably greater than 50 wt% of the copolymer will be found particularly advantageous. Epoxycontaining copolymers of the abovementioned type are commercially available, for example from BASF Resins B.V. under the Joncryl® ADR brand. Joncryl® ADR 4468 and ADR 4400 are particularly useful as chain extender.

[0077] Difunctional isocyanates may be aromatic or aliphatic diisocyanates.

[0078] Examples of aromatic diisocyanates are tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate, tolylene 2,6- diisocyanate, 2,2’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 2,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, naphthylene 1,5-diisocyanate or xylylene diisocyanate. Of these, particular preference is given to 2,2’-, 2,4’- and also 4,4’- diphenylmethane diisocyanates. In general, the latter diisocyanates are used as a mixture. The diisocyanates may also comprise minor amounts, for example up to 5% by weight, based on the total weight, of urethione groups, for example for capping the isocyanate groups.

[0079] The term “aliphatic diisocyanate” herein refers particularly to linear or branched alkylene diisocyanates or cycloalkylene diisocyanates having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 3 to 12 carbon atoms, for example 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,5- pentamethylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate or methylenebis(4- isocyanatocyclohexane). Particularly preferred aliphatic diisocyanates are isophorone diisocyanate and, in particular, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate.

[0080] The preferred isocyanurates include the aliphatic isocyanurates which derive from alkylene diisocyanates or cycloalkylene diisocyanates having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, preferably 3 to 12 carbon atoms, for example isophorone diisocyanate or methylenebis(4-isocyanatocyclohexane). The alkylene diisocyanates here may be either linear or branched. Particular preference is given to isocyanurates based on n hexamethylene diisocyanate, for example cyclic trimers, pentamers or higher oligomers of 1 ,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate.

[0081] 2,2’-Bisoxazolines are generally obtainable via the process from Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., Vol. 11 (1972), pp. 287-288. Particularly preferred bisoxazolines are those in which R1 is a single bond, a (CH2)z alkylene group, where z = 2, 3 or 4, such as 241117

[0082] 16 methylene, 1,2-ethanediyl, 1,3-propanediyl, 1,2-propanediyl or a phenylene group. Particularly preferred bisoxazolines are 2,2’-bis(2-oxazoline), bis(2- oxazolinyl)methane, 1,2-bis(2-oxazolinyl)ethane, 1,3-bis(2-oxazolinyl)propane or 1,4- bis(2-oxazolinyl)butane, in particular 1,4-bis(2-oxazolinyl)benzene, 1 ,2-bis(2— oxazolinyl)benzene or 1,3-bis(2-oxazolinyl)benzene.

[0083] Carbodiimides and polymeric carbodiimides are marketed by way of example by Lanxess with trademark Stabaxol® or by BASF Polyurethane GmbH with trademark Elastostab® or Carbodilite HMV-15CA and Carbodilite HMV-5CA-LC from Nisshinbo Chemical Inc.

[0084] Examples are poly(4, 4'-dicyclohexylmethane carbodiimide) (Carbodilite® type), poly(isophorone carbodiimide), poly(meta-tetramethylxylylene carbodiimide) (Elastostab® type), poly(2,2',6,6'-tetraisopropyldiphenylene carbodiimide) (Stabaxol® D), poly(2,4,6-triisopropyl-l,3-phenylene carbodiimide) (Stabaxol® P- 100), poly(2,6 diisopropyl- 1,3-phenylene carbodiimide) (Stabaxol® P).

[0085] Preferably the chain extender b-5) is selected from isophorone diisocyanate, 1,6- hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,5-pentamethylendiisocyanate, 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, and epoxy-containing copolymers based on styrene, acrylic ester and methacrylic ester, preferably of the styrene-glycidylether-methylmethacrylate type.

[0086] The concentration of the chain extender b-5) is 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3). In case the chain extender b-5) is present its concentration is in the range of 0.01 wt.-% to 2 wt.-%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3).

[0087] It is possible to add a nucleating agent during the production of the polyester, e.g. up to 5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3), nanocellulose.

[0088] The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the aromatic-aliphatic polyesters used as component b) measured in a Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) solution against narrow polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) standards with a molecular weight between 596 g / mol and 2 050 000 g / mol and a molecular weight exclusion limit of 500 - 100 000 g / mol is generally in the range from 5 000 to 100 000, preferably in the range from 10 000 to 75 000 g / mol, and more preferred in the range from 15 000 to 50 000 g / mol, their weight average molecular weight (Mw) is generally in the range from 30 000 to 300 000, preferably 60 000 to 200 000 g / mol, and their Mw / Mn ratio is generally in the range from 1 to 6, preferably in the range from 2 to 4. The viscosity number is between 30 and 450 g / mL and preferably in the range from 50 to 400 g / mL Here and throughout the specification, the viscosity number (VN) is determined according to DIN 53728- 3:1985-1 at 25 °C using a solution of the respective polymer in a 50:50 w / w mixture of phenol and 1,2- dichlorobenzene. The melting point measured at 50% relative humidity at 23 °C by DSC with a heating rate of 20 °C is in the range from 85 to 150°C and preferably in the range from 95 to 140°C.

[0089] Polyesters suited for the use in the polymer composition generally have a melt volume rate (MVR) to EN ISO 1133 (190°C, 2.16 kg weight) of 0.5 to 40 cm3 / 10 min and preferably of 0.8 to 15 cm3 / 10 min.

[0090] Examples of biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyesters are poly(butylene-co- sebacate-co-terephthalate) (“PBSeT”), poly(butylene-co-azelate-co-terephthalate) (“PBAzT”), poly(butylene succinate-co-sebacate-co-terephthalate) (“PBSSeT”), poly(butylene-co-adipate-co-sebacate-co-terephthalate) (“PBASeT”), poly(butylene-co- adipate-co-azelate-co-terephthalate) (“PBAAzT”), poly(butylene-co-adipate-co- brassylate-co-terephthalate) (“PBABrT”), poly(butylene-co-azelate-co-sebacinate-co- terephthalate) (“PBAzSeT”), poly(butylene-co-azelate-co-brassylate-co-terephthalate) (“PBAzBrT”), poly(butylene-co-brassylate-co-sebacinate-co-terephthalate) (“PBBrSeT”), poly(butylene-co-azelate-co-2,5-furanoate) (“PBAzF”), and poly(butylene-co-sebacate-co-2,5-furanoate) (“PBSeF”). It is also possible to use any of the aforementioned aliphatic-aromatic polyesters in combination with each other or in combination with poly(butylene-co-adipate-co-terephthalate).

[0091] Preferably the biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b) is selected from poly(butylene sebacate-co-terephthalate), poly(butylene azelate-co-terephthalate), poly(butylene brassylate-co-terephthalate), poly(butylene succinate-co-sebacate-co- terephthalate), poly(butylene adipate-co-sebacate-co-terephthalate), poly(butylene adipate-co-azelate-co-terephthalate), poly(butylene adipate-co-brassylate-co- terephthalate), poly(butylene azelate-co-sebacate-co-terephthalate), mixtures thereof and mixtures thereof with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate). In particular preferred is poly(butylene-co-sebacate-co-terephthalate).

[0092] The aliphatic-aromatic polyester b) is preferably home compostable. The home compostability can be determined as described above. 18

[0093] The concentration of the biodegradable polyester b) in the polymer composition is at least 15 wt.-%, preferably at least 20 wt.-%, more preferred at least 25 wt.-%, based on the total weight of components a) and b). The maximum concentration of the biodegradable polyester b) in the polymer composition is 85 wt.-%, preferably 80 wt.-%, more preferred 75 wt.-%, most preferred 65 wt.-% and in particular preferred 55 wt.-%, based on the total weight of components a) and b). Preferred concentration ranges of the biodegradable polyester b) are 20 to 85 wt.-% more preferred 20 to 80 wt.-%, even more preferred 25 to 75 wt.-%, most preferred 25 to 65 wt.-% and in particular preferred 25 to 55 wt.-%, based on the total weight of components a) and b).

[0094] The overall concentration of the polylactic acid a) and the biodegradable polyester b) in the polymer composition is preferably at least 10 wt.-%, more preferred at least 20 wt.- %, even more preferred 25 wt.-%, and in particular preferred 50 wt.-%, based on the total weight of components a) to f). The maximum concentration of the polylactic acid a) and the biodegradable polyester b) in the polymer composition is 100 wt.-%, based on the total weight of components a) to f).

[0095] The polymer composition may comprise 0 to 40 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one biodegradable polyester c), which is different from the aliphatic-aromatic polyester b), i.e. does not fall under the definition of the aliphatic-aromatic polyester b). Biodegradable polyester c) is preferably an aliphatic polyester. The biodegradable polyester c) may be selected from polyesters derived from: c-1) at least one aliphatic C4-C18 dicarboxylic acid or C4-C18 dicarboxylic acid derivative or a mixture thereof; b-3) 98 to 102 mol-%, based on the total amount of c-1), of at least one aliphatic C2- C10 diol; b-4) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components c-1) and b-3), of an at least trifunctional branching agent; and b-5) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components c-1) and b-3), of a chain extender; or derived from: c-6) at least one C2-C18 hydroxycarboxylic acid or C2-C18 hydroxycarboxylic acid derivative or a mixture thereof; and b-4) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of component c-6), of an at least trihydric alcohol; and 241117

[0096] 19 b-5) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of component c-6), of a chain extender.

[0097] The components b-3), b-4) and b-5) are the same as described above and described as preferred for the aliphatic-aromatic polyester b).

[0098] The aliphatic dicarboxylic acid c-1) is selected from at least one aliphatic C4-C18 dicarboxylic acid or C4-C18 dicarboxylic acid derivative or a mixture thereof. The aliphatic dicarboxylic acid c-1) includes the aliphatic C4-C18 dicarboxylic acid or C4-C18 dicarboxylic acid derivative b-1) described above, but additionally includes aliphatic dicarboxylic acids with 4 to 6 C-atoms. Examples of such dicarboxylic aids are succinic acid, 2-ethylsuccinic acid, glutaric acid, 2-methylglutaric acid, 3-methylglutaric acid, 2,2-dimethylglutaric acid, diglycolic acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, octadecanedioic acid, oxaloacetic acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, itaconic acid and maleic acid, their derivatives, in particular the Ci -C4 dialkyl esters, and mixtures thereof. More preferred the aliphatic C4- C18 dicarboxylic acids c-1) are selected from succinic acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, 1 ,12-dodecanoic acid, brassylic acid, their derivatives, in particular the Ci -C4 alkyl esters, and mixtures thereof, in particular preferred is succinic acid.

[0099] The C2-C18 hydroxycarboxylic acid or C2-C18 hydroxycarboxylic acid derivative c-6) may be selected from glycolic acid, hydroxypropionic acid, hydroxybutanoic acid, hydroxyvaleric acid, hydroxyhexanoic acid, hydroxydecanoic acid, hydroxydodecanoic acid, hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, hydroxyoctadecanoic acid, gamma-butyrolactone and epsilon-caprolactone. Within this specification, polylactide is not included in the aliphatic polyesters derived from c-6) and optionally b-4) and / or b-5).

[0100] Polyesters c) include polyhydroxyalkanoates, polyglycolic acid, polycaprolactone, and polybutyrolactone.

[0101] Polyhydroxyalkanoates are also referred to as polyhydroxy fatty acids and are understood in the context of the invention as meaning those which comprise monomers having a chain length in the polymer backbone of at least 3 carbon atoms. Polylactic acid and polyhydroxyacetic acid (also referred to as polyglycolic acid) are therefore not polyhydroxyalkanoates in the context of the invention. In the context of the invention, polycaprolactones (PCL) are not understood as polyhydroxyalkanoates, either. 241117

[0102] 20

[0103] In accordance with the invention, preference is given to using at least one polyhydroxyalkanoate comprising repeating monomer units of the formula (1)

[0104] [— O— CHR— (CH2)m— CO— ] (1) where R is hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 20, preferably 1 to 16 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms and m=numbers from 1 to 18, preferably 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6; and / or homopolymers of 2-hydroxybutyric acid.

[0105] The polyhydroxy fatty acids comprise homopolymers, i.e. polyhydroxy fatty acids consisting of identical hydroxy fatty acid monomers and also copolymers, i.e. polyhydroxy fatty acids consisting of different hydroxy fatty acid monomers.

[0106] Examples of polyhydroxyalkanoates are polyhydroxybutyrates, polyhydroxybutyratevalerates, polyhydroxybutyrate propanoates, polyhydroxybutyrate-hexanoates, polyhydroxybutyrate-decanoates, polyhydroxybutyrate-dodecanoates, polyhydroxybutyrate-hexadecanoates, polyhydroxybutyrate-octadecanoates, and poly- 3-hydroxybutyrate-4-hydroxybutyrates.

[0107] Poly-3-hydroxybutyrates are available from Tianan under the name Enmat®. Poly(3- hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate)s were first developed by Metabolix. and will be commercialized by CJ CheilJedang. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)s are commercially available from Kaneka (Aonilex™) or Danimer Scientific (Nodax®). Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)s generally have a 3- hydroxyhexanoate content of 1 to 20 and preferably 3 to 15 mol-% based on the polyhydroxyalkanoate. Preferred are poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyhexanoate)s, in particular poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate).

[0108] The molecular weight Mw of polyhydroxyalkanoates is generally in the range from 100 000 to 1 000 000 g / mol and preferably in the range from 300 000 to 600 000 g / mol, mol determined via GPC in HFIP (hexafluoro-2-propanol) as solvent against narrowly distributed PM MA standards.

[0109] Polycaprolactone, more precisely poly-e-caprolactone, is a class of linear aliphatic polyesters obtained by the ring-opening polymerization of s-caprolactone monomers under the catalysis of metal-organic compounds (such as tetraphenyltin). Generally, polycaprolactone has a melting point of 59 to 64°C and a glass transition temperature of -60°C. Its structural repeating unit has 5 non-polar methylene-CH2- and one polar ester group -COO-, namely-(COOCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2-)n. This structure makes 241117

[0110] 21 polycaprolactone have good flexibility processability, and at the same time, good biocompatibility.

[0111] The number average molecular weight of the polycaprolactone is generally in the range from 40 000 to 100 000 g / mol and preferably in the range from 45 0000 to 85 000 g / mol determined via GPC in HFIP (hexafluoro-2-propanol) as solvent against narrowly distributed PM MA standards.

[0112] Polycaprolactone is commercially available for example from Daicel under the product name Placcel®, or from Ingevity under the product name Capa™.

[0113] Polyglycolic acid, also as known as polyglycolide, is a biodegradable, thermoplastic polymer and the simplest linear, aliphatic polyester. It can be prepared starting from glycolic acid by means of polycondensation or from glycolide by ring-opening polymerization.

[0114] Polyglycolic acid includes homopolymer of glycolic acid (inclusive of a ring-opening polymerization product of glycolide, which is a bimolecular cyclic ester of glycolic acid) consisting only of glycolic acid repeating unit represented by a formula of -(O-CH2-CO)- and also a glycolic acid copolymer containing at least 70% by weight of the above- mentioned glycolic acid repeating unit.

[0115] Examples of comonomers for providing the polyglycolic acid copolymer together with the glycolic acid monomer such as glycolide, may include, but are not limited to: cyclic monomers, inclusive of ethylene oxalate (i.e., 1 ,4-dioxane-2, 3-dione); lactides; lactones, such as p-propiolactone, p-butyrolactone; pivalolactone, y-butyrolactone, 5 valerolactone, p-methyl-b-valerolactone, and e-caprolactone; carbonates, such as trimethylene carbonate; ethers, such as 1 ,3-dioxane; ether-esters, such as dioxanone; and amides, such as e-caprolactam; hydroxycarboxylic acids, such as lactic acid, 3 hydroxypropanoic acid, 4-hydroxybutanonic acid and 6-hydroxycaproic acid, and their alkyl esters; substantially equal molar mixtures of aliphatic diols, such as ethylene glycol and 1 ,4-butane diol with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids, such as succinic acid and adipic acid, and their alkyl or aromatic esters; and two or more species of these. These monomers may be replaced by polymers thereof, which can be used as a starting material for providing a polyglycolic acid copolymer together with the above-mentioned glycolic acid monomer such as glycolide.

[0116] Preferably, the biodegradable polyester c) different from the polyester b) is selected from polycaprolactone (PCL), polybutylene succinate-co-adipate (PBSA), polybutylene succinate-co-sebacate (PBSSe), polybutylene succinate-co-azelate (PBSAz), and polybutylene succinate (PBS). 241117

[0117] 22

[0118] In case the polymer composition comprises one or more biodegradable polyester c) the concentration is at least 1 wt.-%, preferably at least 2 wt.-%, more preferred at least 5 wt.-%, based on components a) to f). The maximum concentration is 40 wt.-%, preferably 20 wt.-%, more preferred 10 wt.-%, based on components a) to f).

[0119] The polymer composition comprises 0 to 55 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one starch- or cellulose-based polymer d).

[0120] The term “starch-based polymer” as used herein means starch itself and polymers derived from starch.

[0121] Starch is a natural polymer composed of amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is essentially a linear polymer having a molecular weight in the range of 100,000- 500,000, whereas amylopectin is a highly branched polymer having a molecular weight of up to several million. Although starch is produced in many plants, typical sources include seeds of cereal grains, such as corn, waxy corn, wheat, sorghum, rice, and waxy rice; tubers, such as potatoes; roots, such as tapioca (i.e. , cassava and manioc), sweet potato, and arrowroot; and the pith of the sago palm. Broadly speaking, any natural (unmodified) and / or modified starch may be used as component c) in the polymer composition. Modified starches, for instance, are often employed that have been chemically modified by typical processes known in the art (e.g., esterification, etherification, oxidation, acid hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis, etc.). Starch ethers and / or esters may be particularly desirable, such as hydroxyalkyl starches, carboxymethyl starches, etc. The hydroxyalkyl group of hydroxylalkyl starches may contain, for instance, 2 to 10 carbon atoms, in some embodiments from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and in some embodiments, from 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Representative hydroxyalkyl starches such as hydroxyethyl starch, hydroxypropyl starch, hydroxybutyl starch, and derivatives thereof. Starch esters, for instance, may be prepared using a wide variety of anhydrides (e.g., acetic, propionic, butyric, and so forth), organic acids, acid chlorides, or other esterification reagents. The degree of esterification may vary as desired, such as from 1 to 3 ester groups per glucosidic unit of the starch.

[0122] Thermoplastic starch contains a plasticizer to help render the starch melt-processible. Starches, for instance, normally exist in the form of granules that have a coating or outer membrane that encapsulates the more water-soluble amylose and amylopectin chains within the interior of the granule. When heated, plasticizers may soften and 241117

[0123] 23 penetrate the outer membrane and cause the inner starch chains to absorb water and swell. This swelling will, at some point, cause the outer shell to rupture and result in an irreversible destructurization of the starch granule. Once destructurized, the starch polymer chains containing amylose and amylopectin polymers, which are initially compressed within the granules, will stretch out and form a generally disordered intermingling of polymer chains. Upon resolidification, however, the chains may reorient themselves to form crystalline or amorphous solids having varying strengths depending on the orientation of the starch polymer chains. Because the starch is thus capable of melting and resolidifying at certain temperatures, it is generally considered a “thermoplastic starch”.

[0124] Suitable plasticizers may include, for instance, water, polyhydric alcohol plasticizers, such as sugars (e.g., glucose, sucrose, fructose, raffinose, maltodextrose, galactose, xylose, maltose, lactose, mannose, and erythrose), sugar alcohols (e.g., erythritol, xylitol, malitol, mannitol, and sorbitol), polyols (e.g., ethylene glycol, glycerol, poly glycerol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, butylene glycol, and hexane triol), etc. In case the starch grain contains a sufficient high amount of water, it is also possible to use the water present in the starch grain as plasticizer. Also suitable are hydrogen bond forming organic compounds which do not have hydroxyl group, including urea and urea derivatives; anhydrides of sugar alcohols such as sorbitan; animal proteins such as gelatin; vegetable proteins such as sunflower protein, soybean proteins, cotton seed proteins; and mixtures thereof. Other suitable plasticizers may include phthalate esters, dimethyl and diethylsuccinate and related esters, glycerol triacetate, glycerol mono and diacetates, glycerol mono, di, and tripropionates, butanoates, stearates, lactic acid esters, citric acid esters, adipic acid esters, stearic acid esters, oleic acid esters, and other acid esters. Aliphatic acids may also be used, such as copolymers of ethylene and acrylic acid, polyethylene grafted with maleic acid, polybutadiene-co- acrylic acid, polybutadiene-co-maleic acid, polypropylene-co-acrylic acid, polypropylene-co-maleic acid, and other hydrocarbon based acids. A low molecular weight plasticizer is preferred, such as less than about 20,000 g / mol, preferably less than about 5,000 g / mol and more preferably less than about 1,000 g / mol. Preferred plasticizers are water, glycerol, oligo-glycerol, sorbitol and hydrogenated hydrolysed starch syrup (CAS 68425-17-2).

[0125] The relative amounts of starches and plasticizers employed in the thermoplastic starch may vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the desired molecular weight, the type of starch, the affinity of the plasticizer for the starch, etc. Typically, however, starches constitute from about 30 wt. % to about 95 wt. %, in some embodiments from about 40 wt. % to about 90 wt. %, and in some embodiments, from about 50 wt. % to about 85 wt. % of the thermoplastic starch. Likewise, plasticizers typically constitute from about 5 wt. % to about 55 wt. %, in some embodiments from about 10 wt. % to about 45 wt. %, and in some embodiments, from about 15 wt. % to about 35 wt. % of the thermoplastic composition. Depending on the intended use of the polymer composition different composition ranges may be more suited, see below.

[0126] The starch polymer d) may be selected from flour, native starch, modified starch, hydrolyzed starch, destructured starch, gelatinized starch, plasticized starch, thermoplastic starch, biofiller comprising complexed starch, and mixtures thereof. Preferably the starch polymer used as component d) is selected from native starches, more preferably from corn, potato, tapioca, pea, wheat or rice starch and most preferably from native corn or wheat starch, in particular preferred from corn.

[0127] Preferably the polymer composition contains at least one starch polymer d). In this case the concentration of the starch polymer d) is usually at least 2 wt.-%, preferred at least 5 wt.-%, more preferred 10 wt.-%, even more preferred at least 25 wt.-%, most preferred at least 30 wt.-%, and in particular preferred at least 35 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the components a) to f) of the polymer composition. The maximum concentration of the starch polymer d) is usually 55 wt.-%, preferred 50 wt.-%, more preferred 45 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the components a) to f) of the polymer composition. Preferred concentration ranges of the starch polymer d) are 2 to 55 wt.-%, more preferred 10 to 50 wt.-%, even more preferred 25 to 50 wt.-%, most preferred 30 to 45 wt.-%, and in particular preferred 35 to 45 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the components a) to f) of the polymer composition. Depending on the specific field of application of the films prepared from the polymer composition, different concentration ranges of the starch polymer d) may be preferred.

[0128] The weight of the starch polymer as used herein means the total weight of the starch polymer itself and an optionally present plasticizer but without water.

[0129] The term “cellulose-based” as used herein means cellulose itself and polymers derived from cellulose, e.g. cellulose hydrate also known as “Cellophane” or partially hydrolysed cellulose acetate. 25

[0130] The polymer composition may comprise 0 to 40 wt.-% based on component a) to f) at least one inorganic filler f). The filler may be selected from salts of alkaline earth metals, silicic acids and their salts, silica gel, silicates, silicon dioxide (quartz), bentonite, graphite, carbon black, iron oxide, kaolin, sodium carbonate, titanium dioxide, wollastonite, mica, bentonite, montmorillonites, and mineral fibers.

[0131] Alkaline earth salts include sulfates like gypsum (CaSC>4 hydrate) in different forms like natural gypsum, natural anhydrite, gypsum prepared from exhaust gas; halogenides like calcium chloride; carbonates like dolomite (MgCa(CC>3)2) or chalk (CaCO3); phosphates like calcium phosphate, e.g. apatite, and monobasic, dibasic and tribasic phosphates of Mg; silicates; and hydrates of the aforementioned salts like talc (Mg3Si40io(OH)2) and gypsum.

[0132] Preferred inorganic fillers e) are talc and CaCO3, which can be used alone or in mixture.

[0133] In case an inorganic filler e) is present in the polymer composition, the concentration of the inorganic filler is at least 2 wt.-%, preferably at least 5 wt.-% based on the total weight of the polymer composition. The maximum concentration of the inorganic filler is usually 40 wt.-%, preferably 35 wt.-% and more preferred 30 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the components a) to f) of the polymer composition. Depending on the intended use of the polymer composition different composition ranges may be more suited, see below.

[0134] Calcium carbonate may be used for example at 10 to 30 wt%, preferably 10 to 28 wt% and more preferably 12 to 20 wt%, based on the total weight of the components a) to f) of the polymer composition. Calcium carbonate from Omya will prove suitable inter alia. The average particle size of calcium carbonate measured with a Malvern Mastersizer X is generally in the range from 0.2 to 10 micrometers, preferably 0.5 to 5 and more preferably 0.5 to 2.5 micrometers.

[0135] Talc may be used for example at 3 to 30 wt%, preferably 5 to 10 wt% and more preferably 5 to 8 wt%, based on the total weight of the components a) to f) of the polymer composition. Talc from companies Imerys and Elementis will be found suitable inter alia. 241117

[0136] 26

[0137] The polymer composition may comprise 0 to 40 wt%, based on components a) to f), of at least one compound selected from cross-linking agents, chain extenders, stabilizers, nucleating agents, lubricants, release agents, surfactants, waxes, antistatic agents, antifogging agent, dyes, pigments, UV absorbers, UV stabilizers, oxygen scavengers, dispersing agents, and other plastics additives as component f).

[0138] Examples of branching agents and chain extenders are the compounds listed under b- 4) and b-5), preferred branching agents and chain extenders are epoxy-containing copolymer based on styrene, acrylic ester and methacrylic ester, preferably of the styrene-glycidylether-methylmethacrylate type, and carbobdiimides, in particular preferred are epoxy-containing copolymer based on styrene, acrylic ester and methacrylic ester, preferably of the styrene-glycidylether-methylmethacrylate type.

[0139] Preferably the polymer composition contains 0.05 to 1 wt.-% by weight, preferably 0.05 to 0.2 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the components a) to f) of the polymer composition, of an epoxy-containing copolymer based on styrene, acrylic ester and / or methacrylic ester. Epoxy-containing copolymers of the abovementioned type are commercially available, for example from BASF Resins B.V. under the Joncryl® ADR brand. Joncryl® ADR 4468 and Joncryl® ADR 4400 are particularly suitable.

[0140] Examples of slip and release agents are Ci8-C24-carboxamide such as stearamide, oleamide, erucamide and behenamide, and stearates like calcium stearate. Preferably the polymer composition contains 0.05 wt.-% to 1 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the components a) to f) of the polymer composition, of a Ci8-C24-carboxamide, preferably selected from stearamide, erucamide, and behenamide or mixtures thereof.

[0141] Examples of surfactants are polysorbates, palmitates and laurates.

[0142] Examples of UV absorbers are 2-(4,6-bis-biphenyl-4-yl-1 ,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5-(2-ethyl-(n)- hexyloxy) phenol and carbon black. Preparation and properties of said UV absorber are known from WO 2009 / 071475.

[0143] An example of a dispersing agent is polyvinylalcohol (PVOH).

[0144] An example for a nucleating agent is nanocellulose.

[0145] Component f) is generally employed in concentrations of 0 to 40 wt.-%, preferably in in concentrations of 0 to 40 wt.-%, more preferred 0.05 to 40 wt.-%, even more preferred 241117

[0146] 27

[0147] 0.1 to 40 wt.-%, and in particular preferred 0.1 to 35 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the components a) to f) of the polymer composition.

[0148] Surprisingly, the addition of home compostable aliphatic-aromatic polyester(s) b) to the non-home compostable PLA improves the home compostability of the PLA such that even compositions comprising high amounts of PLA become biodegradable under home composting conditions. The polymer compositions described herein are even home compostable in case PLA constitutes the major phase, e.g. in compositions containing 60, 70 or 80 wt.-% PLA and only 40, 30 or 20 wt.-% of the home compostable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b). Such compositions may even show faster biodegradation under home composting conditions than the pure polybutyle-sebacate- co-terephthalate as demonstrated in the examples with polybutyle-sebacate-co- terphthalate. The addition of biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester(s) b) to the non-home compostable PLA enables the home compostability of PLA and improves the home compostability of PLA such that the overall resulting polymer composition becomes home compostable. Preferred are polymer compositions wherein the matrix phase is formed by PLA or a PLA-containing composition.

[0149] The polymer composition is home compostable as it is, no addition of further compounds for accelerating the biodegradation like dicarboxylic acids or metallic elements or the observance of certain concentration limits of such compounds is necessary. It is possible to use the polymer composition as described herein with a concentration of metallic elements of less than 50 ppm and above 500 ppm, e.g. with a zinc concentration below 50 ppm and above 500 ppm, with a zinc and calcium concentration below 50 ppm and above 500 ppm or with a concentration of metallic elements selected from sodium, magnesium, aluminum, potassium, calcium barium, zinc, iron, copper and tin below 50 ppm and above 500 ppm. It is also possible to use the polymer composition as described herein without comprising aliphatic dicarboxylic acids or a salt thereof or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid anhydrides concentrations of 0.1 to 10 wt.-%, based on the weight of the total composition. For example, it is possible to use the polymer composition as described herein wherein the polymer composition does not comprise sebacic acid or adipic acid or glutaric acid anhydride or ammonium sebacate in concentrations of 0.1 to 10 wt.-%, based on the weight of the total composition.

[0150] Preferably polymer composition is home compostable according to ISO 14855-1 (2012) reaching 90% absolute or relative CO2 evolution within 365 days, preferably within 180 241117

[0151] 28 days at a temperature in the range of from 25 + / - 5°C determined by particles of the polymer composition with particle size of 100 to 300 microns.

[0152] Polymer composition A is home compostable. Methods for producing the home compostable polymer composition A described above are known by the person skilled in the art and include physical mixing, e.g. by melt mixing, which may be carried out in an extruder or by dry mixing, preferably the polymer composition is prepared by melt mixing. Polymer composition A is further processed into a non-woven.

[0153] Non-wovens, which may also be called non-woven fabrics are known by the person skilled in the art. A comprehensive definition is given in DIN EN ISO 9092: 2019-08. They are sheet or web structures of fibers or filaments which are consolidated by thermal, mechanical or chemical bonding. Non-wovens are not made by weaving or knitting or similar techniques. Non-wovens are usually derived from the melt spinning of polymers to produce either staple fibers being put together in the form of a sheet or web (e.g. by carding, airlaid or wetlaid technologies) or by melt spinning of polymer filaments combined with laying them on a conveyor to form a web., Afterwards, the web is consolidated by binding the fibers or filaments either mechanically (e.g. by hydroentanglement), chemically (e.g. with an adhesive) or thermally (e.g. by calendaring).

[0154] The home compostable polymer composition A is used to produce home compostable non-wovens having a basis weight below 5000 gram per square meter comprising fibers or filaments having fiber titers below 500 dtex of polymer composition A and multilayer structures comprising at least one such non-woven.

[0155] Preferably the home compostable non-wovens have a basis weight of 10 to 1000 g / m2, preferably of 12 to 250 g / m2. The basis weight may be determined according to DIN EN 12127. The basis weight of fleece is often determined according to NSWP 130.1. R0 (15).

[0156] The titer may be determined according to DIN EN ISO 1973: 2021-12. The non-wovens have a titer below 500 dtex, preferably the titer is in the range of 0.1 to 450 dtex, more preferred the titer is in the range of 0.2 to 400 dtex, most preferred 0.5 to 350 dtex. Depending on the application, different titers are required. Significantly low titers have the following advantages. Softness and feel: Finer fibers result in a softer, more comfortable material. This is particularly important for applications such as hygiene 241117

[0157] 29 products, medical nonwovens or clothing nonwovens. Uniformity and appearance: With a lower titer, more uniform and smoother surfaces can be produced. This improves the appearance and functionality of the nonwoven. Filtration properties: Finer fibers provide a larger surface area per gram of material. This allows them to retain particles better, which is crucial for filter fleeces. Better bonding: In the production of nonwovens (e.g. by spunbond or meltblown processes), finer fibres can be felted or bonded better together. This increases the strength and homogeneity of the material. Less weight with the same opacity: Fine fibers can be used to produce lightweight nonwovens that are still opaque and functional. This saves material and costs. Often, the costs are also decisive: the lower the titer, the less material and the lower the costs.

[0158] For packaging applications like food and beverage non-wovens having a basis weight of 10 to 250 g / m2and titer of 0.1 to 25 dtex are particularly preferred.

[0159] There are several techniques known to transform a polymer composition into a nonwoven known by the person skilled in the art resulting in different types of non-wovens, e.g. melt-blown non-wovens, spunbond, non-wovens, spunlace non-wovens, flashspun fabrics, carded non-wovens and air-laid and wetlaid non-wovens.

[0160] Carded, airlaid or wetlaid nonwovens are usually produced from long cut or short cut, crimped or uncrimped fibers, e.g. with a fiber length between 0.05 mm and 200 mm, preferably between 0.05 mm and 150 mm and more preferred with a fiber length between 0.10 mm and 100 mm.

[0161] Spunmelt non-wovens may be manufactured in a spunbond process or in a meltblown process. In case of a spunbond process, is possible to use monocomponent and bicomponent filaments. Monocomponent filaments mean filaments produced by one composition, bicomponent filaments are produced by two different compositions and may have e.g. a core-sheath structure. In case the non-woven is produced from a bicomponent filament, at least one of the two components of the bicomponent filament is made by the polymer composition A. The filaments of a spunbond or meltblown nonwoven may have diameters up to 1000 micrometer. Preferably, the filaments produced by the spunbond process preferably have diameters between 3 to 50 micrometer, preferably 5 to 30 micrometer. Preferably, the filaments produced by the meltblown process usually have diameters below 15 micrometer, preferably they have diameters below 10 micrometer. An example for production process for both spunmelt and meltblown non-wovens is the so called “Reifenhaeuser Reicofil” process. 241117

[0162] 30

[0163] The home compostable non-wovens may comprise only fibers or filaments of polymer composition A, but may also comprise mixtures of fibers of polymer composition A with additional fibers or filaments made of other thermoplastic polymer compositions or other materials like cellulose. It is possible to use fibers or filaments of one polymer composition A, but it is also possible to use fibers or filaments of more than one polymer composition A, i.e. a mixture of two or more different kinds of fibers or filaments of two or more different polymer compositions.

[0164] The home compostable non-woven as described herein may be part of a home compostable multilayer structure comprising said non-woven and at least one additional layer, e.g. selected from barrier layer, adhesive layer, primer layer, sealant layer, print layer, colors layer, polymer composition layer different from the non-woven layer, paper, paper board, and cellophane. The layer composed of the non-woven comprising fibers or filaments of polymer composition A as described above is hereinafter also called layer A. In case the home compostable multilayer structure comprises more than one of such additional layers, the respective layers may be selected independently from each other from the different layers and materials, e.g. the layers and materials listed above, i.e. a first and a second additional layer may be the same or may be different, e.g. the home compostable multilayer structure may comprise two additional sealant layers on both sides of polymer composition layer A or it may comprise a paper layer and a print layer or an adhesive layer and a paper layer.

[0165] The home compostable non-woven as described herein are also suited to act themselves as adhesive layer or as sealant layer in a multilayer structure.

[0166] The home compostable multilayer structure comprising a non-woven as described herein may comprise at least one additional polymer composition layer different from the non-woven layer, also called polymer composition layer P. Polymer composition P may comprise at least one polymer selected from selected from biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyesters, biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polycaprolactone, polyglycolic acid, polyvinylalcohol, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, butylene vinyl alcohol co-polymer, and mixtures thereof. Such home compostable multilayer structures may have the layer structure A / P / A, wherein layers A may have the same or different compositions. 241117

[0167] 31

[0168] The home compostable multilayer structure may comprise a barrier layer, herein also referred to as layer B. Examples of barrier layers are inorganic layers, waxes as water vapor barrier, polyvinylalcohol (PVOH) and butenediol vinyl alcohol copolymer (BVOH)as oxygen barrier. Wax can be applied as an emulsion to form a coating. PVOH and BVOH can be applied as dispersion to form a coating or can be coextruded.

[0169] In case layer B is an inorganic layer it may have a thickness of at least 2, preferably at least 5, more preferred at least 10 nanometers and may have a maximum thickness of 300 nanometers, preferably of 200 nanometers, and more preferred of 150 nanometers. The thickness may be in the range of 2 to 300, preferably of 5 to 200 nanometers, and more preferred of 10 to 150 nanometers.

[0170] Preferably layer B is inorganic and may be selected from metals, metalloids, metal oxides, oxides of metalloids, nitrides of metals and nitrides of metalloids.

[0171] Preferred metals are aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium and their alloys, more preferred are aluminum, zirconium, and titanium. A preferred metalloid is silicon. Preferred metal oxides are oxides of aluminum, preferred oxides of metalloids are oxides of silicon. Preferred nitrides of metals are nitrides of aluminum. Preferred nitrides of metalloids are nitrides of silicon. Preferably layer B is inorganic and selected from aluminum, aluminum oxides and silicon oxides. Such inorganic layer is obtainable by a vapor deposition technique, e.g.PVD (physical vapor deposition), CVD (chemical vapor deposition), PECVD (plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition), PACVD (plasma-assisted CVD) or ALD (atomic layer deposition).

[0172] The home compostable multilayer structure may comprise an additional sealant layer, hereinafter referred to as sealant layer D. It is also possible to use the non-woven as described above as sealant layer in a multilayer structure. To turn a multilayer structure into e.g. packaging items such as a bag, pouch or sachet, two components are often sealed together at the edges. For polymer containing films or non-wovens the sealing is usually carried out by heat. Heat sealing of polymer containing films or non-wovens is known to the person skilled in the art. Heat is applied to the outside surface of the film and transfers inward, melting the sealant and allowing the bonding of the two surfaces during the sealing process. Generally, polymers with low melting points are preferably used as sealants. The sealant may also contribute to other functions of the package such as optical clarity, puncture resistance, and stiffness. Sealant layer D is 241117

[0173] 32 preferably a polymer composition comprising one or more polymers selected from aliphatic-aromatic polyesters, aliphatic polyesters, thermoplastic polyurethanes, and mixtures thereof. Suited are the aliphatic-aromatic polyesters described above as component b) and aliphatic-aromatic polyesters as described above as b) wherein component b-1) may also be selected from C4-C6 dicarboxylic acids and their derivatives, e.g. from succinic acid, adipic acid, mixtures thereof and mixtures thereof with any of the C7-C18 dicarboxylic acids and their derivatives mentioned above as component b-1). Examples of aliphatic-aromatic polyesters, which are preferably used in the sealant layer D) are polybutylene-co-adipate-terephthalate, and polybutylene-co- sebacate-terephthalate. Suited are also the aliphatic polyesters described above under component c), in particular the aliphatic polyesters based on the dicarboxylic acids c-1) and components b-3), b-4) and b-) and the aliphatic poylesters based on the hydroxycarboxylic acids c-6) and components b-4) and b-5). Preferably the sealant layer D comprises at least one polyester selected from polybutylene-co-adipate- terephthalate, and polybutylene-co-sebacate-terephthalate and mixtures thereof. It might be beneficial to add an antiblock additive, slip agent or fillers like talcum and CaCCh to improve the processability of the sealant layer, e.g. the surface properties.

[0174] The home compostable multilayer structure may further comprise one or more adhesive layers to enhance the bonding between two layers which do not show sufficient adhesion to each other. It is also possible to use the home compostable nonwoven as described herein as adhesive layer in a multilayer structure. The function of an adhesive layer and the requirements placed on them are known to the person skilled in the art, see e.g. “The Science and Technology of Flexible Packaging”, Barry A. Morris, Elsevier 2022, pages 351 to 352, Section 10.1. An adhesive may be used for laminating two films together to produce a laminated multilayer film.

[0175] For instance, certain polyurethanes may act as an adhesive. Such polyurethane adhesive may be in the form of a dispersion adhesive or in the form of a hot-melt- adhesive.

[0176] A layer comprising or consisting of polyurethane which may act as an adhesive, may be formed from a polyurethane dispersion, especially from an aqueous dispersion of polyurethane. Such layer formed from a polyurethane dispersion is disclosed in WO 2021 / 175676 A1 and WO 2023 / 052360 A1. In said layer, at least 60 wt% of the polyurethane present in the adhesive layer is formed from a1) at least one diisoccyanate 241117

[0177] 33 a2) at least one polyesterole a3) at least one bifunctional acid selected from the group consisting of dihydroxycarboxylic acids and diaminocarboxylic acids.

[0178] Preferred hot-melt adhesives have a glass transition temperature below the temperature range of usual application of the biodegradable multilayer structure to avoid brittleness and a melting temperature above the temperature range of usual application of the home compostable multilayer structure . Materials suited as hot-melt adhesives are compositions comprising a biodegradable polyester as described above as component b) and such biodegradable polyesters wherein component b-1) is also selected from C4-C6 dicarboxylic acids, their mixtures and mixtures thereof with the C7- C18 dicarboxylic acids described as component b-1). Examples are polybutylene-co- sebacate-co-terephthalate and mixtures comprising polybutylene-co-sebacate-co- terephthalate.

[0179] Paper, cardboard, paperboard or fiber board are also suitable materials for an additional layer. Suitable fibers for the production of said paper products include all commonly used types, e.g., mechanical pulp, bleached and unbleached chemical pulp, paper pulp from any annual crop, and waste paper (including in the form of broke, either coated or uncoated). The above fibers may be used either alone or as any mixture of them to produce the pulps from which paper products are made. For example, the term wood pulp includes groundwood pulp, thermomechanical pulp (TMP), chemothermomechanical pulp (CTMP), compression wood pulp, semi-chemical pulp, high-yield chemical pulp, and refiner pulp (RMP). Exemplary chemical pulps include sulfate pulps, sulfite pulps, and soda pulps. Examples of suitable annual plants for pulp production include rice, wheat, sugarcane, and kenaf.

[0180] Home compostable non-wovens and multilayer structures may be used to produce food and beverage packagings e.g. for coffee, tea, soup powders, sauce powders, coffee or tea cups, coffee or tea capsules, especially their lids, for packaging for home care, a packaging for personal care, a medical packaging. The non-wovens and multilayer structures may also be used in in an article for hygiene and medical applications such as diapers, wipes, wound dressings, an article for agricultural applications, an article horticultural applications, an article for geotextile applications, an article for apparel applications, or an article for marine applications. 241117

[0181] 34

[0182] The home compostable multilayer structures may comprise a print layer, which provides a surface for printing, or a color layer, e.g. a layer of printed ink. It is possible that such color layer is protected by a further layer against wear, e.g. by an additional layer A.

[0183] The home compostable multilayer structures may comprise one or more of the different layers described above, e.g. more than one layer A, or more than one adhesive layer. The person skilled in the art knows in principle different combinations of layers having different functions in multilayer structures for manufacturing flexible packaging for different needs, see e.g. “The Science and Technology of Flexible Packaging”, Barry A. Morris, Elsevier 2022, pages 15 to 18, Section 1.6.

[0184] The home compostable multilayer structures comprising a non-woven comprising fibers or filaments of polymer composition A and comprising one or more additional layers as described above may be produced by known techniques usually applied in the field of film manufacture, for instance coating, lamination, printing, and gas phase or vapor phase deposition.

[0185] Another object of the present invention is a process for producing the home compostable non-woven as described herein comprising the steps:

[0186] (i) Providing a polymer composition A as described above,

[0187] (ii) Optionally providing one or more additional fibers or filaments or compositions for producing fibers or filaments,

[0188] (iii) Producing a non-woven from the polymer composition A and optionally from the additional fibers or filaments or compositions provided in step (ii),

[0189] It is possible to add additional layers to the non-woven obtained in step (iii) for obtaining a multilayer structure comprising said non-woven. The further layers may be added to the non-woven by e.g. coating, printing, gas phase or vapor deposition, laminating etc. Laminating is in particular suited to produce multilayered structures comprising the non-woven.

[0190] The multilayer structures described herein comprising a non-woven comprising fibers of filaments of polymer composition A described above show improved adhesion, sealability and / or puncture performance. The non-wovens described herein may 241117

[0191] 35 therefore be used to improve the adhesion, sealability and / or puncture performance of a multilayer structure comprising said non-woven.

[0192] Another object of the present invention are food and beverage packagings e.g.for coffee, tea, soup powders, sauce powders, coffee or tea cups, coffee or tea capsules, especially their lids, for packaging for home care, a packaging for personal care, a medical packaging. The non-wovens and multilayer structures may also be used in in an article for hygiene and medical applications such as diapers, wipes, wound dressings, an article for agricultural applications, an article for horticultural applications, an article for geotextile applications, an article for apparel applications, or an article for marine applications

[0193] Even without further statements, it is assumed that a skilled person is able to utilize the above description in its widest extent. Consequently, the preferred embodiments and examples are to be interpreted merely as a descriptive enclosure which in no way has any limiting effect at all.

[0194] In the following the invention is described by way of examples.

[0195] Examples:

[0196] Materials:

[0197] Cellulose

[0198] Polylactic acid (PLA): Ingeo 3251 D (NatureWorks LLC) Poly(butylene-co-sebacate-co-terephthalate) (PBSeT): A PBSeT with a Se : T ratio of 52 : 48 and an MVR of 6 + / - 2 cm3 / 10 min according to EN ISO 1133 (190 °C, 2.16 kg weight)

[0199] Preparation of the polymer compositions:

[0200] All blends were prepared by extrusion carried out with Coperion ZSK 26 MC twin-screw extruder (11 Zones; Zone 2 = 140 °C, Zones 3-11 = 190 °C) at a rotational speed of 300 rpm. Individual components were dosed via separate gravimetric scales in zone 1, and molten and mixed in the following zone. The polymer melt was degassed in zone 9 at 600 mbar. The temperature at the die plate was between 215 and 225 °C. The resulting compound was strand pelletized. The amount of the polymer components 241117

[0201] 36 forming the blend of comparative examples CE1 and CE2 and the inventive examples IE1 and IE2 are summarized in the following table B. The amount of the blend components are given in % by weight, based on the total weight of the blend.

[0202] The compositions are shown table 1. Concentrations are given in wt.-%.

[0203] Table 1

[0204] Sample preparation for biodegradation tests:

[0205] The plastic samples were cryo-milled using a Retsch ZM 300 ultra-centrifugal mill and sieved. The isolated fractions with size below 0.5 mm were collected and dried in a vacuum oven at 36 °C for 48 hours. Afterwards, particles with size between 100 pm to 300 pm were sieved using a Retsch AS 200 machine.

[0206] Biodegradability I Home compostability of the samples prepared:

[0207] To prove biodegradability under home composting conditions, a down-scaled and adapted version of the standard ISO 14855 - Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions — Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide was used. The biodegradation experiments were performed using respirometer from ECHO instruments and evolved carbon dioxide was measured through IR-based measurements. Reactors had 1 L size (pressure DURAN laboratory glass bottles) and were closed with a cap with one air inlet and one air outlet. During incubation, air saturated with 100 % moisture was blown through the inlet over the compost at about 5 cm distance before flowing through the outlet to then reach the measuring units. For each reactor, 118.8 g of 20 week-old compost from 241117

[0208] 37

[0209] OWS Belgium (sieve fraction below 0.5 cm), were mixed with 1.2 g of 2 week old compost (fraction below 0.5 cm) and 8 g test material. Blank, positive control, and each of the materials were tested in triplicate. The samples were incubated at 28 °C ± 2 °C for at least 176 days. During the experiment, the reactors were regularly opened, and the content mixed, twice during the first week, afterwards once per week. The results are shown in table 2. The biodegradation is given as % degradation.

[0210] An equivalent measurement was performed using a static system in which blank compost (3 reactors), positive control and compost (3 reactors) and test material and compost (3 reactors) were tested. Each replicate contained 49.5°g of 20 week-old compost from OWS Belgium (sieve fraction below 0.5 cm), mixed with 1.2 g of 2 week old compost (fraction below 0.5 cm) of compost. 3,33 g of the test material (or positive control) were mixed with the compost in the respective bottles. The compost had a total solids content of roughly 52.5%, a volatile solids content of more than 30% on dry solids and a pH between 7.0 and 9.0. The plastic cups were positioned in 1750 mL containers (Weck-jars) together with other two cups, the first containing 15 mL of Millipore-water for regulation of the humidity and the second containing 32 mL of 1 M NaOH, used as CO2 absorber. The “reactors” were closed airtight and incubated at 28°C + / - 2°C.

[0211] Within the first week, the CO2 absorber was replaced with fresh 1M NaOH solution and the reactor is aerated every day. The compost was mixed at day 3 and 7. From the second week on, the absorber was replaced and the reactor was aerated 3 times per week and the compost mixed once per week. The CO2 absorber extracted from the test was used to determine the amount of carbon dioxide evolved during the incubation. The concentration of carbon in the solution was measured with a Shimadzu Total Organic Carbon Analyzer. The results are incorporated into table 2.

[0212] The degree of mineralization was calculated by measuring the amount of carbon in the absorber solution of the test material (Csample) minus the carbon content of the absorber solution of the blank sample (Cblank), divided by the total amount of carbon of the test sample added to the compost test item. 100 241117

[0213] 38

[0214] Table 2

[0215] Compositions comprising 90 to 100 wt.-% PLA and up to 10 wt.-% PBSeT do almost 241117

[0216] 39 not degrade at home compostable conditions whereas compositions comprising more than 10 wt.-% polybutylene-co-sebacate-terephthalate and less than 90 wt.-% polylactic acid show strong biodegradation under home compostable conditions. The compositions comprising both PLA and PBSeT wherein the concentration of the PLA is below 90 wt.-% degrade even faster than pure PBSeT. This is an indication of a synergistic effect of the mixture of PLA and PBSeT on the biodegradability.

[0217] Staple fibre production: A composition comprising 80 wt.-% polylactic acid and 20 wt.-% polybutylene- sebacate-co-terephthalate was converted into fibres at a spinning temperature in the range of 200 to 220 °C. The spinning plate temperature was in the range of 235 - 255 °C. The fibers obtained had titers in the range of 3.7 - 9.6 dtex.

Claims

1. 24111740Claims1. Home compostable non-wovens having a basis weight below 5000 gram per square meter comprising fibers or filaments of polymer composition A wherein the polymer composition A comprises a) 15 to 85 wt.-%, based on the total weight of polylactic acid a) and polyester b), of at least one polylactic acid a); b) 15 to 85 wt.-%, based on the total weight of polylactic acid a) and the polyester b), of at least one biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester (b) derived from: b-1) 20 to 70 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b- 2), of at least one aliphatic C7-C18 dicarboxylic acid or C7-C18 dicarboxylic acid derivative or a mixture thereof with a C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid or C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid derivative, b-2) 80 to 30 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2), of at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid or aromatic dicarboxylic acid derivative, b-3) 98 to 102 mol %, based on the total amount of b-1) and b-2), of an aliphatic C2-C10 diol, b-4) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3), of an at least trihydric alcohol, and b-5) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b- 3), of a chain extender; c) 0 to 40 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one biodegradable polyester different from the biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b); d) 0 to 55 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one starch- or cellulose-based polymer; e) 0 to 40 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one inorganic filler; and f) 0 to 40 wt%, based on components a) to f), of at least one compound selected from cross-linking agents, chain extenders, stabilizers, nucleating agents, lubricants, release agents, surfactants, waxes, antistatic agents, antifogging agent, dyes, pigments, UV absorbers, UV stabilizers, oxygen scavengers, dispersing agents, plasticizers, and other plastics additives, wherein the fibers and filaments have a fiber titers below 500 dtex.

2. The home compostable non-woven according to claim 1 wherein the biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b) is derived from b-1) 20 to 70 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2), of at least one aliphatic C7-C13 dicarboxylic acid or C7-C13 dicarboxylic acid derivative or a mixture thereof with a C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid or C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid derivative, b-2) 80 to 30 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2), of at least one dicarboxylic acid selected form terephthalic acid, furane dicarboxylic acid, their derivatives, and mixtures thereof, b-3) 98 to 102 mol %, based on the total amount of b-1) and b-2), of an aliphatic C3-C4 diol, b-4) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3), of an at least trihydric alcohol, and b-5) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3), of a chain extender.

3. The home compostable non-woven according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein component b-1) of the biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b) is at least partially selected from sebacic acid, azelaic acid and brassylic acid, their derivatives, and mixtures thereof; component b-2) is selected form terephthalic acid and furane dicarboxylic acid, their derivatives, and mixtures thereof and b-3) is selected from 1 ,3-propane diol and 1 ,4-butane diol.

4. The home compostable non-woven according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b) is selected from poly(butylene sebacate-co-terephthalate), poly(butylene azelate-co-terephthalate), poly(butylene brassylate-co-terephthalate), poly(butylene succinate-co-sebacate- co-terephthalate), poly(butylene adipate-co-sebacate-co-terephthalate), poly(butylene adipate-co-azelate-co-terephthalate), poly(butylene adipate-co- brassylate-co-terephthalate), poly(butylene azelate-co-sebacate-co- terephthalate), mixtures thereof and mixtures thereof with poly(butylene adipate- co-terephthalate).

5. The home compostable non-woven according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the polymer composition is home compostable according to ISO 14855-1 (2012) reaching 90% absolute or relative CO2 evolution within 180 days at a temperature24111742 in the range of from 25 + / - 5°C determined by particles of the polymer composition with particle size of 100 to 300 microns.

6. The home compostable non-woven according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the non-woven is selected from carded, airlaid and wetlaid nonwovens.

7. The home compostable non-woven according to claim 6 wherein the fibers of the non-woven have a length between 0.05 mm and 200 mm.

8. The home compostable non-woven according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the fibers of the non-woven are selected from long cut, short cut, crimped and uncrimped fibers.

9. The home compostable non-woven according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the non-woven is a spunbond or meltblown non-woven.

10. The home compostable non-woven according to claim 9 wherein the filaments of the non-woven have diameters up to 1000 micrometer.

11. The home compostable non-woven according to claim 9 or 10 comprising monocomponent fibers.

12. The home compostable non-woven according to claim 9 to 10 11 comprising bicomponent fibers wherein at least one component is a polymer composition A.

13. A process for producing the home compostable non-woven according to any of claims 1 to 12 comprising the steps:(iv) Providing a polymer composition A as defined in any of claims 1 to 5,(v) Optionally providing one or more additional fibers or filaments or additional compositions for producing fibers or filaments,(vi) Producing a non-woven from the polymer composition A and optionally from the additional compositions provided in step (ii),14. A home compostable multilayer structure comprising at least one non-woven according to any of claims 1 to 12 and at least one additional layer selected from barrier layer, adhesive layer, primer layer, sealant layer, polymer layer, print layer, colors layer, paper, paper board, and cellophane15. Use of a polymer composition comprising24111743 a) 15 to 85 wt.-%, based on the total weight of polylactic acid a) and polyester b), of at least one polylactic acid a); b) 15 to 85 wt.-%, based on the total weight of polylactic acid a) and polyester b), of at least one biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b) derived from: b-1) 20 to 70 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2), of at least one aliphatic C7-C18 dicarboxylic acid or C7-C18 dicarboxylic acid derivative, mixtures thereof or a mixture thereof with a C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid or C4-C6 dicarboxylic acid derivative, b-2) 80 to 30 mol %, based on the total amount of components b-1) and b-2), of at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid or aromatic dicarboxylic acid derivative, b-3) 98 to 102 mol %, based on the total amount of b-1) and b-2), of an aliphatic C2-C10 diol, b-4) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b-3), of an at least trihydric alcohol, and b-5) 0 to 2 wt%, based on the total weight of components b-1), b-2) and b- 3), of a chain extender; c) 0 to 40 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one biodegradable polyester different from the biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic polyester b); d) 0 to 55 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one starch- or cellulose-based polymer; e) 0 to 40 wt.-%, based on components a) to f), of at least one inorganic filler; and f) 0 to 40 wt%, based on components a) to f), of at least one compound selected from cross-linking agents, chain extenders, stabilizers, nucleating agents, lubricants, release agents, surfactants, waxes, antistatic agents, antifogging agent, dyes, pigments, UV absorbers, UV stabilizers, oxygen scavengers, dispersing agents, and other plastics additives; for the preparation of a home compostable non-woven according to any of claims 1 to 12 or a home compostable multilayer structure according to claim 14.

16. An article comprising the home compostable non-woven according to any of claims 1 to 12 or the home compostable multilayer structure according to claim 14.

17. The article according to claim 16, wherein the article is a food or beverage packaging, a packaging for home care, a packaging for personal care, a medical24111744 packaging, an article for hygiene and medical applications, an article for agricultural applications, an article for horticultural applications, an article for geotextile applications, an article for construction applications, an article for apparel applications, or an article for marine applications.

18. Use of non-woven according to any of claims 1 to 12 for improving the adhesion, sealability and / or puncture performance of a multilayer structure comprising said non-woven.

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