Since plastic was first introduced in the 1950s, more than nine billion tons of it have been produced, and 79% of that remains in landfills or other parts of the natural environment. Government agencies and organizations have worked to address the plastic waste challenge, focusing their efforts on reducing, reusing, and recycling. However, statistics show that only 5-6% of plastic is recycled annually in the U.S. To make significant progress in reducing and eliminating plastic pollution, innovative ideas are needed. Polyhydroxyalkanoate, or PHA, offers a promising solution.
What is PHA?
PHAs is a unique polymer made from natural, renewable feedstock through a large fermentation process. This bioplastic is fermented the same way you would ferment beer, then it is recovered and turned into a basic material that can be used for a wide variety of applications. The raw materials for PHA are sugars sourced from plants, including sugar cane, tapioca, corn, and cellulosic biomass – waste gas (such as renewable natural gas) can also be used as a feedstock. As a natural polymer, PHA offers an attractive alternative to petrochemical-based materials, such as polyolefins and polystyrene, that are used to make plastic products. It works well as a modifier to other polymers or biopolymers, increasing bio-based content, accelerating biodegradation, and improving the functional properties of resin and finished products.
PHAs are readily biodegradable in various environments, including natural settings and industrial composting facilities. They can be used to create a resin that can be shaped into various articles and products that can be used across a broad range of applications – whether it’s packaging, injection molded parts, food and beverage applications, films, and others. Nearly half of today’s plastic is single use. It has a shelf life of four months or less, then is discarded. With PHA, there are more end-of-life options for responsible and sustainable disposal of end products. They can be home or industrially composted, and if they accidentally end up in the environment, they will biodegrade naturally, making them part of a circular solution.
Practical Applications for PHA
The applications for PHA are virtually limitless, and products made with the material are being developed for multiple markets, including food and beverage, food service/serviceware, personal care/home care, consumer goods, agriculture and compost, and 3D printing filament. Recently developed end products include drinking straws, food and beverage containers, cosmetic packaging, and the world’s first biodegradable bottle cap, which is also compostable and recyclable. Since a very low percentage of bottle caps on the market today are recyclable, this is a significant step in addressing plastic waste.
Conclusion
PHAs offer a promising solution to the plastic waste challenge by providing an easier and more responsible end-of-life management option. With their unique properties and biodegradability, PHAs can significantly impact reducing plastic waste and fostering sustainable practices.
Article contributed by Max Senechal – the Chief Commercial Officer at CJ Biomaterials, a leading industrial biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing biomaterials based on its PHA platform. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the chemical and material industries with the last 13 years spent on the development of biomaterials at Metabolix, Ginkgo Bioworks, and CJ Biomaterials. Mr. Senechal holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Laval University in Canada.
