WEB EXCLUSIVE: Metabolix Inc., Cambridge, Mass., has come out with a new compostable film grade of PHA biopolymer, Mvera B5008, which is certified compostable by European standards.

Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., has developed a series of biobased PHA copolymers that act as impact modifiers, flexibilizers, and processing aids for rigid and flexible PVC.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., has developed a series of biobased PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) copolymers that act as plasticizers, impact modifiers, and processing aids for rigid and flexible PVC.

Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., has signed a letter of intent to produce its Mirel biopolymer at Antibioticos, S.A.in Leon, Spain.

 WEB EXCLUSIVE: Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., and has signed a letter of intent to make its Mirel biopolymer resin at Antibioticos, S.A.in Leon, Spain.

The world of biopolymers got a jolt last month when Metabolix Inc., Cambridge, Mass., and the Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), Decatur, Ill., announced the end of the Telles LLC joint venture for producing PHA biopolymer, effective Feb. 8.

Do you have a sustainability officer yet? You might need one. It's probably even more likely that your customers have one, and you will have to pay attention to them if you want to continue to supply them with plastic parts or products.

Newly available cast sheet and thermoforming grades of Mirel biobased polymers open up a new range of applications in containers and other formed parts where renewable content and biodegradability are desired.

If you’re thinking about adding bioplastics to your portfolio of processing capabilities, it’s best to first find out what separates them from traditional synthetic polymers and how their differences will affect you.

Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., has just completed a field trial of growing tobacco that was genetically engineered to produce polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers.

Two promising new biopolymers are finding some initial commercial applications.

Plastics are going “green,” but they will need some help to get there. Biodegradable polymers derived from renewable resources are attracting lots of interest and publicity, but that enthusiasm is counterbalanced by persistent questions of availability, cost, performance, and processability. All these issues are inter-related: Increasing demand will lead to more capacity, which will presumably lead to lower prices. But the foundation is market demand, which ultimately depends on whether biopolymers will have the performance properties and processability to compete with existing non-renewable plastics.

Major chemical companies are investing big bucks in new plants and technologies to produce plastics from annually renewable sources, not from petrochemicals.

More resin makers are joining the action in biopolymers made from renewable resources.

Patented technology developed at the Univ. of Mass.-Lowell for melt blending polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer with 20% of any of several biodegradable aliphatic copolyesters (U.S.

Full-scale commercialization of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers by Metabolix Inc., Cambridge, Mass., and joint-venture partner Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), Decatur, Ill., moved a few steps closer recently with the announcement of the first commercial application.

Plastics made from renewable carbon chains, not fossil carbon from oil or gas, are suddenly a solid commercial reality. The draw isn’t just “green” marketing, but the “green” of stable prices not linked to petrochemicals.

Recent news testifies to growing momentum for biopolymers derived from corn by bacterial fermentation: --As reported on p. 22, DuPont Co., Wilmington, Del., is developing engineering thermoplastics and TPEs derived in part from fermented corn sugar. --Mazda Motor Corp., Tokyo, and a Japanese consortium of other companies, universities, and research institutes developed a heat-resistant plastic consisting of 88% corn-based polylactic acid (PLA) and 12% petroleum-derived materials.

Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM), Decatur, Ill., and Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., have selected Clinton, Iowa, as the site for the first commercial plant to produce polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastic.

The U.S. is catching up with Europe and Asia in exploring the potential of biodegradable polyesters in flexible and rigid packaging. Because of their cost, these resins often find use in blends with other degradable materials.