Bio-polymers

[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]

Toyota to Increase ‘Ecological Plastic’ in Vehicle Interiors, Starting with New Hybrid

December 19, 2008

Conceptual diagram of carbon neutrality of Toyota Ecological Plastic. Click to enlarge.

Toyota Motor (TMC) plans to increase use of plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in more vehicle models, starting with a new hybrid vehicle next year. The TMC newly developed plastics, collectively known as “Ecological Plastic”, are to be used in scuff plates, headliners, seat cushions and other interior vehicle parts.

Within 2009, TMC aims for Ecological Plastic to account for approximately 60% of the interior components in vehicles that feature it.

More... | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Metabolix to Develop Advanced Industrial Oilseed Crops for Bioplastic and Biofuel Production

February 08, 2008

Metabolix, Inc. has initiated a program to develop an advanced industrial oilseed crop to produce bioplastics. Oilseeds are the primary feedstock for the more than 250 million gallons of biodiesel produced annually in the United States and the co-production of bioplastics promises to improve the economics of this crop industry.

Industrial oilseeds represent the third crop system to which Metabolix is applying its patented technology. The company is also developing enhanced switchgrass, and sugarcane crops to co-produce bio-based and biodegradable plastic within the leaves and stems of these crops to more economically meet energy and bioplastic needs globally.

More... | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)