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PHAs are a class of biodegradable polymers that can be obtained from naturally biosynthesized materials and carbon-rich renewable resources , resulting in far fewer emissions and energy consumption than traditional plastics derived from fossil fuels . A PHA biopolymer is a polymer that is produced by a living organism , such as a plant or microbe . These polymers can be composed of sugars , proteins , or nucleic acids , and they are the building blocks of many of the materials found in nature . A biopolymer-compounded material is made by combining biopolymers with other substances , such as inorganic compounds into biodegradable packaging materials .
“ We work with a variety of brands that provide clean material in different states , whether amorphous or crystalline . We then blend the raw material , used for injection or blow molding for example , to make products suitable for a variety of packaging applications ,” Fred explains .
“ The material resembles plastic and behaves like it . Most importantly , it is 100 percent recyclable . The problem is whether the infrastructure exists to support that recyclability . I can ’ t speak for the UK , but the
US recycling industry is very fragmented from state to state . Even in the more progressive states , like California , essentially only a couple of plastics are recycled , and the remainder are sent to landfill or incinerators . This leads to environmental contamination through the release of microplastics .”
When PHAs are discarded into the environment however , they can be broken down by microorganisms that are naturally present in the soil or compost . This process is an important part of the global carbon cycle , as it helps to recycle the carbon contained in these materials back into the environment . The rate of decomposition will vary depending on several factors , including the type of material , the presence of other nutrients , and the environmental conditions .
“ From printer filament to drinking straws and bottle caps , Beyond Plastic is setting extremely high standards when it comes to bioplastics . Our PHA-based bioplastic is a revolutionary green alternative to traditional plastic , as it can completely biodegrade without leaving behind any harmful footprint . We ’ re great proponents of recycling and while we fully endorse recycling , truth be told , as a nation , we don ’ t have a great track record . Until we ’ re much more effective recyclers , having fully biodegradable alternatives in place can mitigate environmental contamination should the products be discarded .” Combining the latest technological advances with expertise and capabilities , Beyond Plastic works with manufacturers to finetune production equipment . The company trials machinery and suggests modifications and customizations to make the equipment and production process commercially viable .
“ We ’ re making strides in commercialization but there are barriers to entry . Alongside
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