When: Monday, May 17th Where: NYIT's Gallery 61, Manhattan
• 4:00 - 4:45 pm - Biomass-Derived Materials, Chemicals and Fuels Based on the PHA Platform
Speaker: Oliver P. Peoples, Ph.D. - Metabolix, Chief Scientific Officer & Vice President of Research Bio Presentation
Metabolix is the leading developer of advanced technologies for using renewable biomass resources for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics. The company is commercializing its first technology platform for these materials based on a microbial fermentation through Telles, a joint venture with the Archer Daniel Midland. These bioplastics are being marketed under the Mirel brand name. The first commercial production plant with a name plate capacity of 50,000 tons per year opened at the end of 2009.
Current areas of commercial focus include three converting processes: film for agricultural applications and compost bags, injection molding for molded parts, and sheet for cards and signage. Additional applications based on foam and fiber conversion technologies are still in the development stage.
Metabolix is also developing technology for commodity scale production of PHAs directly in crops including switchgrass, sugarcane, and industrial oilseed. PHA production in crops presents a unique value added opportunity that can positively impact the overall economics of biomass derived biofuels.
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