Reinventing plastic

Long description

PHAs (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) are a family of polymers with a wide range of properties that can be tuned for different applications. They are both bio-based and completely biodegradable. PHA will even safely biodegrade in sea water or a home compost. PHA is synthesised in biorefineries by micro- organisms from a range of biological feedstocks. Bio-gas is a by-product of the process and itself a source of renewable energy.

Creating local PHA eco-systems will create employment, could completely replace fossil fuel based plastic in a wide range of applications and also significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with the transportation of goods. Local self-sustaining, decentralised, bioplastic eco-systems would be resilient to external economic shocks, and could create essential goods in times of crisis.

Designing a model PHA eco-system will need support at the beginning like a start-up. Design, communication and manufacturing would play key roles in creating and operating PHA eco-systems. They can be scaled, replicated, franchised and operated by many types of organisations.

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