Biodegradable plastics now from potato waste for use in high-tech applications

Bio-on SPA and Pizzoli SPA together joined collaboration for building the first bioplastic plan of Italy which will use potato waste for production of biodegradable plastics. The function of the plant will be based upon agro-industrial process with the objective of initial production capacity with 2K ton per year. This capacity has been planned for extension up to 4K ton per year in future. The vision of this collaboration is that PHA, the bioplastic that will be produced in the plant will replace numerous traditional plastics.

Read more about the news here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150317-Bio-ON-PHAs-from-potato-waste.php

Bio-on in this collaboration will contribute it’s laboratory research while Pizzoli will employ it’s experience in potato transformation. PHA is a powerful bioplastic offering a guarantee of totally biodegradable feature with same thermo-mechanic properties. Bio-on’s chairman, Marco Astorri states that it is really a big step in the bioplastics industry. As the project will be based upon the demonstration of conversion of wastage into useful bioplastics with characteristics of biodegradability and eco-sustainability, it will be definitely a remarkable step in the direction of bioplastic production. The project has been expected to be completed within 2 years. On the other hand, Chairman of Pizzoli SPA, Nicola Pizzoli states this project as the challenge lies upon future investments.

Metabolix, the USA based producer of PHA biopolymers carries out a manufacturing site assessment including a capital plan, engineering study, site owner’s interview, cost estimate operations and intermediate level biopolymer production. The company has planned to defer commitment for contract production at the site. With the plan of significant improvement in output of Mirel PHA biopolymers, the main objective of this deal will revolve around the production of a-PHA biopolymer that will be utilized in current development plans for the unique PHA product.

Read more about this plan here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20141228Metabolix-focus-on-a-PHA.php

According to the statement of Joseph Shaulson, CEO of Metabolix, the company believes that biopolymer production is the best approach at this time. As the company expects increase in output from the pilot facilities, it is important to keep the capital investment at the modest level this year and enhance the runway offered by finance and restructure accomplished already. Further, same approach is supposed to work well for speeding the availability of a-PHA material to develop market.  Joseph further adds that the company needs to work upon a strong strategy going further towards evaluation and development of production expansion ideas for the business. This is important for the company with the idea of bringing on production of PHA on wide level.

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.

Metabolix Completes $25 Million Private Placement

Metabolix declared to close the earlier announced private placement of company securities; the amount of investment was 25 million dollars. The advance and reputed biomaterial company employs all the attention on sustainability solutions nowadays regarding chemicals and plastics industry. The amount will now be used for extending the execution plans of business and marketing of the company. All the efforts to secure intermediate production capacity and building relationship with main customers seems awesome now for intensification of company’s planning of development and application for special biopolymers. Metabolix Inc. is reputed all over the world for its ultimate sustainable solutions; the firm is now elaborating a family of high performance biopolymers based upon the objective of performance.

Read more about this deal here at - http://www.4-traders.com/METABOLIX-INC-36333/news/Metabolix--Closes-25-Million-Private-Placement-18952255/

According to the statement of president and Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Shaulson, the new capital will be used for pursuing production, technical and commercial deals integrated to the projected success regarding development of PHA biopolymers. Till now the company is engaged in development and commercialization of high performance biopolymers. With the establishment of intellectual property to lead the industry, the company is working for setting up great platform to promote PHA biopolymers. For this purpose, the company is also working in collaboration for some projects.