Significant New Data Demonstrating that Biobased PHA Polymeric
Modifiers
Improve Performance of PLA and PVC
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Metabolix,
Inc. (NASDAQ: MBLX), an innovation-driven bioscience company focused on
delivering sustainable solutions for plastics, chemicals and energy,
today announced that its researchers will make technical presentations
at the ANTEC Conference being held April 22-25 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Metabolix researchers will present new data showing that its biobased
PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) copolymers significantly improve the
mechanical, performance and environmental characteristics of the
commercially significant polymers polylactide (PLA) and polyvinyl
chloride (PVC).
"The demand for application specific products is an important trend in
the biopolymers market and we are actively working to capitalize on it,"
said Richard P. Eno, president and chief executive officer, Metabolix.
"Metabolix continues to drive innovation in the biopolymer market
forward with technology advances that deliver valuable market
applications for established industries across the globe."
"We are excited to share these test results showcasing the broad
applicability of our PHA biopolymers for synergistically improving the
characteristics of PLA and PVC," noted Bob Engle, vice president,
business development, biopolymers, Metabolix. "The results detailed in
our presentations represent the recent progression of our research and
development activities, and have the potential for broadening the market
opportunity for our biopolymers business."
Overview of Metabolix Presentations at ANTEC:
"Impact Modification of PLA using Biobased, Biodegradable Mirel PHB
Copolymers"
Monday, April 22 at 9:00 a.m., Session M1 Bioplastics, Room 230
Allen Padwa will present data highlighting the use of Mirel PHB
copolymers to improve the impact toughness of PLA without compromising
the biobased carbon content and compostability of PLA. The results show
that PHA can be blended with PLA to achieve a 20-fold increase in impact
strength with modest decreases in tensile modulus. The balance of
properties achieved with the blend rivals the performance of established
engineering resins. The phase morphology and structure-property
relationships of PLA/PHA blends will be discussed in the presentation.
"Modification of PVC with Biobased PHA Rubber, Part 2"
Tuesday, April 23 at 9:30 a.m., Session T16, Room 202
Yelena Kann, Ph.D., will present new data on the use of PHA polymeric
modifiers to improve the mechanical and environmental performance of
PVC. The presentation will describe the miscibility of PHA polymeric
modifiers and their effect on plasticization, impact modification and
flow promotion in flexible and semi-rigid PVC. In addition, data showing
the resistance of PHA modified PVC to fungal growth, weatherization and
biodegradation as compared to controls will be presented. Dr. Kann will
also provide an overview of ongoing research in the use of PHA polymeric
modifiers to improve rigid PVC formulations.
You can find more information about Metabolix's ANTEC presentations here.
About Metabolix
Metabolix, Inc. is an innovation-driven bioscience company delivering
sustainable solutions to the plastics, chemicals and energy industries.
Metabolix is developing and commercializing a family of high-performance
biopolymers targeted to the markets for film and bag applications,
performance additives and functional biodegradation. Metabolix's
biobased chemicals platform utilizes its novel "FAST" recovery process
to enable the production of cost-effective, "drop-in" replacements for
petroleum-based industrial chemicals. Metabolix is also developing a
platform for co-producing plastics, chemicals and energy from crops.
Metabolix has established an industry-leading intellectual property
portfolio that, together with its knowledge of advanced industrial
practice, provides a foundation for industry collaborations.
For more information, please visit www.metabolix.com.
(MBLX-G)
Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements which are made
pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements in this release do
not constitute guarantees of future performance. Investors are cautioned
that statements in this press release which are not strictly historical
statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the
market potential for Metabolix biopolymers, constitute
forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject
to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those anticipated and are detailed in
Metabolix's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Metabolix assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking
information contained in this press release or with respect to the
announcements described herein.
Media, Investor and General Inquiries:
Lynne H. Brum,
617-682-4693
LBrum@metabolix.com
or
Media
Inquiries:
Schwartz MSL Boston
Keith Giannini or Kirsten
Swenson, 781-684-0770
metabolix@schwartzmsl.com
Source: Metabolix, Inc.
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