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1. Who is Metabolix?
Metabolix is an innovation-driven bioscience company developing and commercializing biobased, sustainable alternatives for plastics, chemicals and energy. Mirel is our family of bioplastics which is currently being commercialized with ADM through a JV called Telles. Mirel is a biobased, sustainable and totally biodegradable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics.
2. Are you a public company?
Yes, we are listed under MBLX on NASDAQ. You can also get investor information from the investor relations section.
3. How large is Metabolix?
Currently Metabolix has over 80 employees. We also have a joint venture with ADM, one of the world's largest agribusinesses.
4. What are Mirel Bioplastics?
Mirel (www.mirelplastics.com) is a very broad and versatile family of bioplastics that are made from plants. Mirel is a sustainable alternative to many of the plastic materials now made from fossil energy (oil, gas, and coal) and brings new combinations of functionality and environmental benefits to the marketplace.
5. How does Mirel process compare to conventional plastics?
Mirel bioplastics can be processed on standard production conversion equipment with similar productivity as conventional materials. Mirel maintains the broad production characteristics of petroleum-based plastics like printing and other post processing techniques.
6. How does Mirel compare to other biobased and/or biodegradable products?
Mirel bioplastics combine the functionality and performance of most petroleum based plastics (like heat and water resistance) with the widest spectrum of biodegradability. Overall, Mirel bioplastics provide the broadest range of environmental benefits.
7. How fast does Mirel biodegrade?
Biodegradation can be fairly rapid in soil and marine environments, from weeks to months. It depends on thickness, temperature and environment. Mirel meets ASTM D6400 composting standards and ASTM D7081 Marine Degradability certification. In an independent study, 3 mil film degraded in a lake environment in 18 days.
8. Do you comply with ASTM D 6400 or EN13432 for industrial composting (European equivalent)?
Yes. In addition Mirel can biodegrade in soil, home composts, septic systems, wetlands and even the ocean.
9. Do you have FDA approval?
We are in the process of getting FDA approval.
10. What about energy consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
Mirel uses over 95% less petroleum, and emits 200% less Green House Gas (GHG) than traditional plastic resin.
11. How can we get some material to sample?
At present, material is made available from Metabolix under material transfer agreements to customer prospects based on their specific applications interests. Please contact us for more information.
12. May I use material from the website in my report/lecture?
The material on this website is protected by copyright law. You may use it only if properly credited as required by law.
13. I am writing a thesis, report, etc. What other information is available on Mirel?
Besides the information contained on this website, there is considerable literature about bioplastics.
