Plastic has received such a huge bashing in the last decade that any other product or material in its place would have disappeared from the face of the planet. But being economically viable and easy to work and handle, it only seems to spread its wings and continues to grow at an alarming rate. So what is the problem, you ask? Well, it is not biodegradable and hence stays as a foreign object forever and adds to that by choking on animals and causing them to suffocate and drown. Just a couple of many of its wonderful extra uses!
While Bioplastic is not a long term solution, it could very well work for now. Massachusetts-based Biotech Company, Metabolix, has found a way to manufacture Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHA), also known as Bioplastic, by growing it in leafs of perennial plants such as switchgrass. By merging genes of various organic specimens, Metabolix has derived what it calls Mirel – a proprietary line of bioplastics that can be used for everything from credit cards to plastic containers and even vehicle components.
Growing plastic in switchgrass would not only forge a viable alternative to similar petroleum-based products, but also leave residual biomass that can be used for clean fuel production. According to the researchers the result validates the prospect for economic production of PHA polymer in switchgrass. So by when can we expect this to hit the stores and our homes? Not before 2012, say the guys with the big job on their hands!
Via: goodcleantech
