Introduction to PHA: Production and Benefits
How is PHA Produced?
What is PHA? This bioplastic is naturally produced by bacteria during the fermentation of sugars or oils. What makes it special is that it is 100% biodegradable, making it particularly well-suited to the challenges of sustainability. And don’t worry about its mechanical performance, which is similar to that of petro-sourced plastics.
The Ecological Benefits of PHA
A UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) report highlights the importance of biodegradable materials in the fight against plastic pollution. PHAs can help. These bioplastics reduce CO2 emissions throughout their life cycle. Some even deteriorate naturally in any environment. Finally, they are made from renewable raw materials, so the circular economy is encouraged.
PHA and Applications in the Construction Industry
PHA has a number of applications in the construction industry. In particular, it is used in the manufacture of :
- insulation film: its waterproofing properties, UV resistance and flexibility make it particularly suitable for environments exposed to the elements.
- construction panel: not only is it environmentally friendly, it also offers thermal performance comparable to that of traditional materials.
- protective coating: offers protection against the elements, corrosion and humidity, and provides durability, safety and aesthetic appeal.
Their biodegradability also reduces end-of-life recycling or disposal costs. In other words, a major advantage in a context of increasing regulation of construction waste.
Common Uses for PHA in the Construction Industry: Insulation Films
PHA insulation films combine technical and thermal performance with ecological notions to :
- exterior and interior walls
- roofs and sub-roofs
- floors and foundations
- ventilated facades
- barriers against damp and infiltration
- waterproofing of green walls and roofs
Building Industry: PHA Construction Panels
The excellent thermal insulation properties of PHA panels meet energy-efficient building standards and strict regulatory requirements. In fact, their use enables compliance with the European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings. Green building certification criteria such as LEED or BREEAM are also met.
PHA Protective Coatings for the Building Industry
Protective coatings protect building surfaces from the elements, including rain, wind, snow and UV rays. This prevents the deterioration of materials under the effect of natural elements and extends the life of buildings.
N.B. Some coatings, particularly thermal insulation, help to improve the energy efficiency of buildings by reducing heat loss and maintaining a stable interior temperature.
PHA and Building: A Healthy Material for Health and the Environment
PHA emits no harmful substances, either during production or when used in buildings. At a time when regulations on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are becoming stricter, PHA is the solution of choice for eco-responsible construction.
The use of PHA also reduces the risk of indoor pollution, a public health issue recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This material promotes a healthy indoor environment, free from volatile pollutants, ensuring the well-being of occupants.
The Challenges of Integrating Hap in the Building Sector
PHA: Still (too) Expensive to Produce
While PHA has many advantages, there are still economic obstacles to its widespread use in the construction sector. PHA is currently more expensive to manufacture than conventional plastics. This is due to manufacturing processes that are still recent and limited production capacity worldwide.
The Need for PHA Standards and Certification
For widespread adoption, it is crucial to develop standards and certifications specific to PHA. To date, several certifications exist for different types of bioplastics, such as European standard EN 13432. However, the construction industry could benefit from specific standards for building applications, couldn’t it?
The Role of Public Policy in the Adoption of PHA
Public authorities play a central role in promoting sustainable materials such as PHA. In Europe, the circular economy strategy adopted by the European Commission encourages the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials in construction.
N.B. Incentive policies, such as subsidies and tax credits, could also stimulate the adoption of these environmentally-friendly materials.
Organisations such as UN-Habitat are also stressing the importance of promoting sustainable construction practices to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Public support, combined with the growing demand for environmentally-friendly solutions, provides a favourable context for the development of HAP in the building sector.
PHA represents a genuine revolution for the construction industry, in terms of both its ecological qualities and its technical performance. However, its widespread adoption requires greater support from public authorities, specific standards and competitive production capacity. PHA Sourcing, with its certifications, infrastructure and responsiveness, is (therefore) the ideal partner to support manufacturers!
