U.S. Develops Degradable Plant Plastics

U.S. metabolix and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) are planning to form a 50:50 joint venture between the two parties to promote the commercialization of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs).

PHA is a plant-based polyester synthesized by microorganisms. Due to its many biodegradable, biocompatible, and piezoelectric properties, it may be used in many fields, such as biodegradable packaging materials, tissue engineering materials, and Release materials and electrochemical materials have been widely used, which is causing widespread interest in scientific research and industry. The two companies said they will establish a 50,000-ton/year PHA production facility.

The PHA polymer is produced by a fermentation process that converts crop raw materials such as cereal sugars into biodegradable plastics. According to metabolix, this PHA polymer material is more flexible and moisture-resistant than other degradable plastics such as polylactic acid (PLA), and is more suitable for plastic tableware or as a coating application.

Metabolix CEO Jim Barber said: "The signing of a cooperation agreement with ADM is a huge boost to the company and the field of degradable plastics. We can accelerate the commercialization of PHA and strive to get products to market as soon as possible."