Metabolix To Significantly Boost PHA Production
Plans are underway at Metabolix to increase output of PHA biopolymers.
Biomaterials company Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., has plans to significantly increase output of its Mirel PHA biopolymers at its contracted pilot manufacturing facilities. This plan’s initial focus will be the production of the company’s a-PHA (amorphous, low Tg rubber) biopolymer for use in ongoing development activities based on this unique PHA product. Production of this new material, together with existing inventory, is intended to support both market development and initial customer conversions as Metabolix continues working to build its biopolymers business based on PHA performance additives.
Says Joseph Shaulson, president and CEO of Metabolix, “We believe this is the right approach to biopolymer manufacturing at this time. We expect the increased output from out pilot facilities will require a modest level of capital investment in 2015. We also expect this approach to accelerate the availability of a-PHA material for market development. Going forward, we intend to continue evaluation and developing production expansion options for our business as we bring on commercial-scale customers for Metabolix PHA biopolymers.
Related Content
-
Flexible-Film Processor Optimizes All-PE Food Packaging
Tobe Packaging’s breakthrough was to create its Ecolefin PE multilayer film that could be applied with a specialized barrier coating.
-
New Name, Products, Technology— But Same Service Philosophy
Schoeneck Containers is now Radius Packaging, but customer needs are still the focal center of this blow molder’s business. Those customers will benefit from the company’s push toward automation, sustainability, and new products in injection molding and stretch-blown PET.
-
Pregis Performance Flexibles: In the ‘Wow’ Business
Pregis went big and bold with investment in a brand-new, state-of-the-art plant and spent big on expanding an existing facility. High-tech lines, well-known leadership and a commitment to sustainability are bringing the “wow” factor to blown film.