Caprolactone Thermoplastics: Boosting Flexibility and Biodegradability of PLA & PHA

Ingevity’s Capa brand caprolactone thermoplastics, acquired from Sweden’s Perstorp Holding AB in 2019, have proven to enhance the mechanical properties of bioplastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). These innovative copolymers are engineered to produce new, high‑performance bioplastic formulations.

The acquisition unlocked Ingevity’s ability to produce and market caprolactone, a key monomer for a range of high‑value derivatives including caprolactone polyols, thermoplastics, lactides, and hexanediol (HDO). The Capa product line now forms the core of Ingevity’s engineered polymers business, a strategic pillar of its performance‑chemicals segment.

Typically supplied as pellets, the Capa thermoplastics (e.g., Capa 6506 in powder form) act as a performance enhancer across multiple plastic matrices. In laboratory trials, they increased the elongation at break of PLA and PHA‑based composites by more than 500% and raised impact resistance by over 300%, addressing common brittleness and temperature‑sensitivity issues while preserving full biodegradability.

These high‑molecular‑weight, low‑melting‑point aliphatic polyesters are compatible with a broad range of hot‑melt adhesives, bioplastics, and conventional thermoplastics. They exhibit excellent process stability, are fully compostable, and meet food‑grade standards. With grease‑ and moisture‑resistance, they remain tough and durable while offering a soft tactile feel. Ingevity’s caprolactones achieve 100 % biodegradability in just 40 days—far surpassing competing products that typically fall short of 50 % biodegradation within that timeframe.