Meridian announces production of PHA polymer from canola oil

Meridian Holdings Group in Georgia has developed a new technology which will be used to manufacture PHA or polyhydroxyalkanoate on massive scale from canola oil. This PHA will be a plastic polymer which can be recycled and is of biodegradable nature.

CEO of Meridian, Michael Smith informs that PHA can be manufactured from any type of oil which contains fatty acids however; canola seems to be the best raw material alternative for this plastic polymer. This is an excellent step to reduce the thrashes and landfills comprising of normal polymers and plastic bags that are non-biodegradable and causes severe pollution in environment, as mentioned in http://www.producer.com/2014/11/canola-bioplastic-trashes-trash/.

It should be noted here that this company has already invested a massive amount of $3.5 million for plant advancement and up gradation which is speculated to utilize the next year’s harvest of canola oil to be produced on 5000 acres of Georgian farmers.

Because of increasing demands of the bioplastic material, various companies are interested to manufacture biodegradable coffee cups, straws, packaging materials and beverage bottles that often are considered as the worst pollutants and waste materials on the earth.

http://www.producer.com/2014/11/canola-bioplastic-trashes-trash/ is of the view that more than 300 million acres of canola harvesting would be required to meet the large scale plastic polymer demands of this world and of course; PHA is a nice step in this field which will work as an inspiration for other eco-friendly companies.