US bioscience company Metabolix (Cambridge, Massachusetts; www.metabolix.com) has partnered with Honeywell (Morris Township, New Jersey / USA; www.honeywell.com) to make available new marine biodegradable biopolymers for use in cosmetics, exfoliants and personal care products. The global commercial and technology alliance will develop Metabolix’s “Mirel” range of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers as part of Honeywell’s “Asensa” line of personal care additives to address pending US legislation to replace synthetic, non-biodegradable microbeads and meet global demand for bio-based and biodegradable alternatives.

Rising demand for its Mirel range has led Metabolix to consider lifting its total capacity to 10,000 t/y – see also Plasteurope.com of 27.02.2014. The marine biodegradability of the materials is said to resemble that of cellulose and paper, and the process is faster than that of other commercially available biodegradable polymers, Metabolix said.