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Metabolix Announces Next Generation Injection Molding Grade of Mirel(TM) Bioplastics - Mirel P1003

Jun 22, 2009

LOWELL, Mass., Jun 22, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Metabolix announced today that Telles, the joint venture between Metabolix, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBLX) and Archer Daniels Midland Company that produces Mirel(TM) bioplastics, has developed its next generation of injection molding bioplastic, Mirel P1003, in a collaborative effort with Nypro, a leading global precision plastics molder.

Mirel P1003 is the second generation of Mirel for injection molding, replacing both P1001 and P1002 with a single grade suitable for a wider range of applications. This high performance biobased semi-crystalline polyester is tough, durable, and has excellent resistance to heat, making it a suitable replacement for high performance materials including ABS and polycarbonate. Advanced attributes of Mirel P1003 are overall improved processability, improved flow, faster overall cycle times compared to other biopolymers, and an overall cycle time similar to traditional thermoplastics. Product information including a data sheet and a comprehensive injection molding processing guide can be found on www.mirelplastics.com.

"Mirel bioplastics are developed with an application-driven approach and this second generation of injection molding grade allows us to focus on high performance and durable applications within the business machine and consumer electronics market sectors," said Bob Findlen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Telles. "Nypro is a valued partner in our efforts to meet customers' technical and manufacturing requirements, and together with our team they played an important role in developing Mirel P1003."

"Nypro's work with Telles is an example of our ongoing investment in future technologies, and our commitment to innovate and bring environmentally sound plastics manufacturing solutions to the world's leading companies," said Michael McGee, Director of Global Engineering & Technology at Nypro.

Metabolix and Telles are presenting and exhibiting at NPE 2009, The International Plastics Showcase, in Chicago, IL the week of June 22, 2009. They are located at booth #W119020, in the West Hall.

About Mirel Bioplastics

Mirel is a family of bioplastic materials with the physical properties of petroleum-based resins, yet with a unique combination of being biobased and biodegradable when disposed in natural soil and water environments, home composting systems, and in industrial composting facilities in areas where such facilities are available. The rate and extent of Mirel's biodegradability will depend on the size and shape of the articles made from it. However, like nearly all bioplastics and organic matter, Mirel will not biodegrade in conventional landfills.

Mirel bioplastics are available for injection molding, blown and cast film, and cast sheet applications. The first commercial-scale plant to produce Mirel bioplastic resins is being constructed adjacent to ADM's wet corn mill in Clinton, Iowa. For more information please visit www.mirelplastics.com.

About Metabolix

Founded in 1992, Metabolix, Inc. is an innovation driven bioscience company focused on providing sustainable solutions for the world's needs for plastics, chemicals and energy. The Company is taking a systems approach, from gene to end product, integrating sophisticated biotechnology with advanced industrial practice. Metabolix is now developing and commercializing Mirel(TM), a family of high performance bioplastics which are biobased and biodegradable alternatives to many petroleum based plastics. Metabolix is also developing a proprietary platform technology for co-producing plastics, chemicals and energy, from crops such as switchgrass, oilseeds and sugarcane.

For moreinformation, please visit www.metabolix.com. (MBLX-G)

About Nypro

Nypro's strategy is focused on providing integrated and innovative plastics solutions to the world's leading companies, implemented by the premier global team of employees. We are targeting strong, long-term growth by being the supplier of choice to the best companies in the healthcare, electronics, and packaging markets. Our growth will be achieved by concentrating our efforts on profitable opportunities with customers that need and value our core competencies, are leaders in their respective markets and have the potential to be growing, multi-million dollar accounts. Nypro operates 49 companies and in 16 countries providing precision plastics injection molding, design and engineering services, and related manufacturing solutions.

SOURCE: Metabolix, Inc.

Media:
For Metabolix
Matt Lindberg, ICR, 203-682-8214
matthew.lindberg@icrinc.com
or
Brian Ruby, ICR, 203-682-8268
brian.ruby@icrinc.com
or
For Nypro
Al Cotton, Nypro, 978-368-4580
or
Investors:
Anthony Gallo, ICR, 203-682-8335
anthony.gallo@icrinc.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009