Biodegradable Plastics
Mirel is an astonishing success of bioengineering. Not only is it a high-performance and biodegradable alternative to conventional plastic, but it’s derived from the fermentation of sugar, a renewable resource. Other non-food crops are being researched as additional options for making bioplastics, through the biological conversion of renewable and sustainable feedstocks, in order to break our dependence on oil.
From PHA to Bioplastic
The microbial fermentation system combines proprietary engineered microbes with sugar and other materials in a fermenter. The microbes digest the sugar and produce the bioplastics within their cells. Then the bioplastics are separated from the microbes and formulated into Mirel resins for commercial sale. Mirel biodegradable plastics comprise a wide variety of grades, including:
- Film grade (for blown and cast film applications): Can be used for agricultural mulch film, compost bags, retail bags, and packaging
- Injection molding grade: Can replace polystyrene or polypropylene for use in many consumer retail products and high-performance applications
- Extrusion sheet and thermoforming grade: Can be used for gift cards, large format graphics, and storage containers
- Developmental grades (for foam, blow molding, non-woven, and monofilament): Can be used for a variety of products, including food contact containers and bottles, personal care and hygiene products, and safe shipping and packing materials
Sustainable Success
Mirel biodegradable plastics from sugar have the unique advantage in the marketplace of being both biobased and biodegradable while having comparable functional properties to petroleum-based plastics. Mirel is biodegradable in natural soil and water environments, home composting systems, and industrial composting facilities, where these facilities are available. However, like nearly all other bioplastics and organic matter, Mirel is not designed to biodegrade in landfills. The rate and extent of Mirel's biodegradability will depend on the size and shape of the articles made from it.
With Mirel bioplastics, brand manufacturers don’t have to sacrifice product design or reliability to get the environmental benefits that they and their customers seek.