Whilst Monsanto Company (HQ: 800 N. Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63167, USA) has been withdrawing from some more conventional polymer activity, it recently enhanced its position in biopolymer technology with the purchase of the Biopol business of Zeneca Group PLC (15 Stanhope Gate, GB-London W1Y 6LN).

Biopol is a polyhydroxyalkanoic acid or PHA polymer produced through the fermentation of microorganisms. Monsanto plans to continue manufacturing PHA using this process, while researching ways to produce biopolymers in plants. Improved plant biotechnology and developments in genetic engineering have brought nearer the prospect of plants being used to produce biodegradable polymers, although it will be the next century before such developments will be commercialised.

PHAs are ideally suited for products disposed through composting because they are biodegradable. Current and potential uses include food packaging, disposable plates, cups, trays and cutlery; carrier bags and refuse sacks, bottles and containers and fibres. Monsanto researchers hope to develop and expand the PHA programme to provide better polymers for an even greater variety of product applications.