Wednesday (Group 2) - SERDP-ESTCP - Strategic Environmental ...
Wednesday (Group 2) - SERDP-ESTCP - Strategic Environmental ...
Wednesday (Group 2) - SERDP-ESTCP - Strategic Environmental ...
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Sustainable Infrastructure (SI)<br />
Facilities Management — Facility Waste<br />
Poster Number 75 – <strong>Wednesday</strong><br />
PHA BIOPLASTIC PACKAGING MATERIALS<br />
DR. CHRIS SCHWIER<br />
Metabolix<br />
650 Suffolk Street, Suite 100<br />
Lowell, MA 01854<br />
(978) 513-1830<br />
schwier@metabolix.com<br />
CO-PERFORMER: Dr. Jo Ann Ratto (U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and<br />
Engineering Center)<br />
P<br />
lastic packaging materials represent a significant portion of the world plastics consumption,<br />
estimated in excess of 340 billion lbs in 2007. In North America alone, consumption of<br />
plastic shrink/stretch film was over 1.5 billion lbs/year in 2006, and foamed product<br />
consumption is estimated at 8.5 billion lbs/year in 2006. While these packaging materials are<br />
low-cost and effective, the logistics of managing packaging waste is becoming increasingly<br />
problematic and costly. Military operations in remote areas and/or foreign countries face serious<br />
logistic hurdles dealing with large volumes of packaging waste.<br />
PHA Natural Plastics are produced by Metabolix from renewable agricultural resources.<br />
Because they are biodegradable in marine and soil environments, products made with PHAs can<br />
be disposed of easily and without any adverse environmental impacts. PHA Natural Plastics are<br />
considered well-suited for use in packaging application due to the range of physical properties<br />
attainable, water resistance, heat resistance, strength, and barrier properties. Other biodegradable<br />
materials, particularly starch based materials, do not have the required water resistance,<br />
temperature resistance, or range of properties required for many film and foam packaging<br />
applications.<br />
The objective of this project is to demonstrate the applicability of biodegradable PHA Natural<br />
Plastics for foamed packaging and stretch/shrink film applications. PHA foams have been<br />
produced and tested for functional performance and biodegradability. Key sciences and<br />
technologies have been developed for material designs and foam processing, including branching<br />
and selection of environmentally-friendly blowing agents. A potential commercial foam<br />
development partner has been established.<br />
For pallet wrap products, which are typically stretch or shrink film, PHA formulations have been<br />
developed for film processing. Evaluations of processibility and properties are in progress.<br />
This work is funded by <strong>SERDP</strong> Project SI-1478.<br />
G-33