Metabolix is not manufacturing plastic, they are growing it. The company has discovered a way to mix genes of different species and have switchgrass actually grow its proprietary bioplastic. The bioplastic, known as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHA), can be used to make a variety of common plastic items, including credit cards and packaging materials.
The plastic is basically ready to use after harvesting. The process avoids polymerization completely. Plus another very strong positive is that it requires no petroleum, unlike traditional plastics.
Metabolix hopes to have the plastic into commercial production by 2012.
