A Brief Discussion on PHA
We previously introduced degradable bioplastics in our Newsletter of June 2022, and PHA is one of them. We often compare it to PLA, which is a more familiar bioplastic. Moreover, as PLA phased out of our discussion spotlight, PHA gradually became the new focus of our attention. So let's get to know this new acquaintance better.
PHA stands for Polyhydroxyalkanoates, just like PLA, they are biobased and biodegradable plastics, typically used as eco-friendly materials to replace traditional plastics. Especially in today's increasing concern for the Earth's environment, we urgently need materials like PHA to replace petroleum-based traditional plastics, such as PE and PP. On one hand, being biobased means it comes from renewable resources, making it sustainable in terms of sourcing. PHA can be produced by utilizing renewable resources like plant oils and sugars, reducing dependence on non-renewable resources like petroleum. On the other hand, it is biodegradable, meaning it can be composted without causing significant pressure on the natural environment. Unlike PLA, it doesn't even need composting facilities to degrade; it can naturally degrade in the environment, even faster than sugarcane residue products. Experimental evidence has shown that PHA can completely disappear in the ocean in just 58 days, being degraded by microorganisms into carbon dioxide and water. Carbon dioxide can be reused by plants in photosynthesis, posing almost no burden on the environment.
You might think it has only recently come into people's awareness, but its history dates back to the early 1970s when researchers first discovered these polymers. The earliest discovered PHA was Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and as research on PHA progressed, scientists discovered more types of PHA in the 1980s, such as Polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) and other derivatives. The focus of research gradually shifted from a single type of PHA to the biosynthesis, properties, and applications of different types of PHA. So, now you know one difference from PLA is that it's a category of substances with many monomer types, so it's more accurately referred to as PHAs. After the 1990s, with a deeper understanding of PHA synthesis pathways and the development of engineered strains, researchers successfully controlled and optimized PHA production. At this point, PHA as a biodegradable plastic material to replace traditional plastics began to enter the practical application stage.
It's worth mentioning that PHA is similar to traditional plastics in physical and chemical properties, so it can be processed using existing plastic processing equipment. It has good plasticity and processability, allowing for the production of products in various shapes and uses. Additionally, PHA exhibits excellent biocompatibility and can be used to manufacture medical devices and drug delivery systems. Because PHA is a biodegradable plastic with good plasticity, heat resistance, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, it has a wide range of applications in various fields:
Packaging materials: PHA can be used to manufacture food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, shopping bags, etc. They have good physical properties such as strength and resilience, making them suitable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging materials.
Medical devices: PHA can be used to manufacture disposable medical devices such as syringes and surgical instruments. Due to its biocompatibility and degradability, PHA is widely used in the medical field.
Agriculture: PHA can be used to manufacture products for agriculture, such as plant seedling trays and seedling cups. These products can be degraded by soil microorganisms after use, making them environmentally friendly.
Textiles: PHA can be used to manufacture textiles, such as clothing and fibers. They have a certain degree of elasticity and abrasion resistance, making them alternatives to synthetic fibers.
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Biopharmaceuticals: PHA is also used in the manufacture of drug delivery systems and medical membranes, which is related to its biocompatibility and biodegradability.
Currently, the further development of PHA still faces some challenges, such as the need to improve production efficiency and reduce processing costs; the physical properties, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of PHA may not be as good as some traditional plastics, which may limit its use in certain specific applications. Moreover, in the field of biodegradable plastics, there are various material competitions, and PHA needs to find its market positioning and development space in various fields.
In fact, many industry leaders are already on the PHA bandwagon. PepsiCo is collaborating with biotech company Danimer Scientific to develop snack packaging based on PHA, while Nestlé is developing PHA-based water bottles. Even small brands like Cove have started using PHA to produce reusable water bottles. Of particular note, WinCup Holdings has proposed a groundbreaking solution - Phade straws made from PHA, extracted from canola oil fermentation. It provides consumers with the experience of using plastic straws while ensuring biodegradation and disappearance in the natural environment. Certified tests have shown that it achieves complete marine biodegradation in just 58 days.
The commercialization of PHA demonstrates its potential to replace traditional plastics as a biodegradable plastic. Moreover, PHA aligns with the concept of a circular economy, promoting the recycling of plastic waste and achieving a closed-loop of production and recycling. Its biodegradable nature means it can degrade in the natural environment, reducing plastic pollution. With ongoing research and technological advancements, the cost of manufacturing PHA has been decreasing, and advancements in biotechnology are further optimizing the production process, increasing production yield and quality, making it more commercially viable. Additionally, an increasing number of countries and regions are enacting policies and regulations to promote the use of biodegradable plastics like PHA. Government support for biodegradable plastics like PHA will further drive its market demand.
In summary, PHA, as a promising biodegradable plastic, will play a significant role in sustainable development and solutions to plastic pollution. Through technological innovation, cost reduction, and policy support, PHA is expected to gradually replace traditional plastics and contribute to environmental health and sustainable development. Despite some challenges, with continuous progress in science and technology and the pursuit of sustainability, its advantages are expected to be strengthened, and its drawbacks gradually overcome. In the future, PHA is poised to play an even more important role in plastic alternative materials.
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