US bioscience company Metabolix (Cambridge, Massachusetts; www.metabolix.com) is to launch a range of amorphous PHAs (a-PHA) developed for use as performance additives for PVC and PLA. Production of the new materials is underway at a pilot plant in the US and will ramp up to 270 t/y nameplate capacity during 2016.

Amorphous PHA is a softer and more rubbery version of PHA, with a low glass transition temperature, that offers a different performance profile from crystalline forms of PHA. The company’s a-PHA is produced by fermentation and extracted using a patented solvent recovery process. Several certifications are pending on a-PHA as a bio-based material and for a full range of biodegradation applications when used alone or with other complementary materials.

Metabolix plans to seek FDA clearance for a-PHA in food contact applications, expanding the range of PHA biopolymers available for use in food contact materials. The company has previously received FDA clearance for use of its semi-crystalline PHA grades in food contact applications.