Oct 15 2007
Metabolix Inc. today announced that Telles(TM), its joint venture with Archer Daniels Midland Company, has released the findings of an independent life cycle assessment (LCA) for Mirel(TM) bioplastic resin. The LCA study, conducted by Dr. Bruce Dale, professor of Chemical Engineering at Michigan State University, determined that production of Mirel reduces the use of nonrenewable energy by more than 95% and provides a 200% reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG) compared to production of conventional petroleum-based plastics.
Because Mirel is made from corn and utilizes renewable energy in its production, either directly or via offset, the environmental benefits are significant. The LCA measures the environmental impact of Mirel from "cradle to factory gate." Mirel requires only 2.5 MJ/kg of nonrenewable energy per kilogram verses 70 MJ/kg for olefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene. Mirel actually has a negative net CO2 footprint, showing a net result of -2.2 GHG emissions (kg CO2 eq. /kg) compared to a +2.0 GHG emissions (kg CO2 eq. /kg) for these olefin based polymers.
Mirel is a family of biobased, sustainable and biodegradable plastics with high-performance characteristics including excellent resistance to heat and hot liquids. Mirel biodegrades in a wide range of environments: soil, home compost, industrial compost and both fresh and salt water.
Jay Kouba, Chairman and CEO of Metabolix, stated, "The results of this independent study actually exceeded our expectations. It confirms the environmental benefits of Mirel bioplastics and its underlying technology. Our current and prospective customers can be confident, and proud, in telling their consumers that products containing Mirel are far better for the environment than conventional plastics." Telles, the Metabolix and ADM joint venture, is currently working with customers evaluating a variety of applications while constructing its commercial scale production plant which is expected to begin operations in late 2008.
Professor Dale will be publishing the results of the Mirel LCA and speaking at the Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals in May 2008. Professor Dale commented, "Making informed decisions based on a product's environmental impact requires an understanding of its entire life cycle, from the activities required to produce its raw materials to the manufacturing process. Our LCA research validates Mirel's significant reductions in greenhouse gases and non-renewable fuel use through its entire life cycle when compared to conventional plastics."