New bioplastic from Metabolix and ADM is biodegradable

Cambridge, Mass.-based Metabolix (NASDAQ:MBLX) and Decatur, Ill.-based Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE:ADM) said today they have developed a next-generation injection molding bioplastic that’s biodegradable.

The innovation came out of a joint venture called Telles, which is named after the Roman goddess of the Earth.

The new bioplastic, called Mirel P1003, came about through a collaboration of Telles with Nypro, a precision plastics molder. Mirel P1003 is expected to replace previous generations of Telles' products for injection modeling. 

Metabolix is a bioscience company providing sustainable plastic, chemical and energy products, while ADM turns crops such as corn and oilseeds into renewable products. Metabolix said it is also working to co-produce plastics, chemicals and energy from crops such as switchgrass and sugarcane.

Mirel P1003 is a high performance, bio-based semi-crystalline polyester. Its toughness, durability and heat resistance make it a replacement for materials such as polycarbonate, according to Metabolix.

Metabolix said Mirel P1003’s attributes include overall improved ability to be processed, improved flow, faster overall cycle times compared to other biopolymers, and an overall cycle time similar to traditional thermoplastics.

The new bioplastic has uses in the business machine and consumer electronics market, related to injection molding, blow and cast film and cast sheet applications. The first commercial-scale plant to produce Mirel bioplastic resins is being constructed next to ADM’s wet corn mill in Clinton, Iowa, according to a news release.

The Mirel family of bioplastics provide biodegradable alternatives to many petroleum-based plastics, the companies said. The line competes with similar products from Alcoa KAMA and Cereplast (OTCBB: CERP) (see New starch-based plastic on the way from Alcoa and Cereplast).

Hawthorne, Calif.-based Cereplast also recently announced it has developed a biodegradable competitor to polystyrene foam, more commonly known by the trademark Styrofoam (see Cereplast unveils bio-based compostable Styrofoam substitute).

The joint venture between Metabolix and ADM was first formed in 2007 (see Metabolix and ADM bioplastic fantastic).