Could plastic made from bacteria guts help solve our waste crisis?

Plastic, a diverse category of materials made from polymers, traditionally relied on petrochemicals for its production. However, bioplastics, derived from plant materials and capable of biodegradation, offer potential solutions to the plastic waste problem.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a type of bioplastic produced by bacteria, challenge conventional notions of plastic. Companies like Danimer and Mango Materials are investing in PHAs, with Danimer partnering with Bacardi and planning to introduce PHA bottles across its liquor lines by 2023. Other major players, including Nestle and Pepsico, are also exploring partnerships with Danimer. Mango Materials is targeting plastic-reliant industries like apparel.

While PHAs have been around for 35 years, skeptics often refer to the collapse of previous PHA ventures like Metabolix. However, the current momentum and interest in addressing plastic waste suggest that now might be the time for PHAs to emerge as a breakthrough bioplastic solution.