When it comes to plastics, environmental standards and consumer wishes go hand in hand. As a professional, complying with the law whilst seducing your customers is not a choice. It’s a necessity. For the sake of the planet’s future, but also to win market share, companies are increasingly committed to eco-responsible practices. PHA products are emerging as a sustainable and innovative solution. This biodegradable biopolymer, derived from renewable resources, offers an alternative to traditional plastics.

Here’s a closer look at this revolutionary material.

PHA: environmental benefits for businesses

Since 2021 in France, various laws have banned the use of single-use plastics. The use of biosourced plastics, and above all compostable or biodegradable plastics, is a necessity. The most important thing to remember about PHA is its ability to degrade. In any environment, PHA deteriorates naturally in just a few weeks. In short, it ticks all the boxesm.

Limiting pollution from PHA products

100% biodegradable PHA products

As you can see, one of the main advantages of PHA products is their ability to reduce plastic waste. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, which can take hundreds of years to degrade, PHA biodegrades in just 9 weeks.

What is the result?

Significantly reduced quantity of plastic in landfill, the general environment and the ocean. Helping resolve an undeniable global problem.

Reduced carbon footprint thanks to PHA products

The production of PHA also generates fewer greenhouse gases than the manufacture of conventional plastics. In fact, carbon emissions from PHA are minimised (from 1.5 to 3 kg of CO2 per kilogram produced) because :

• renewable raw materials are used (bio-manufacturing)
• oil is not used
• less energy is required
• waste management is minimised (biodegradability)

Less plastic waste = less pollution

Recycling plastic waste remains a major challenge. Plastic pollution is now the second most pressing environmental problem after climate change. So what about tomorrow? PHAs are gradually becoming the solution of choice in the fight against plastic pollution and the adoption of sustainable practices. PHA products deteriorate naturally and without toxic residue: simple.

PHA product applications

Organic packaging in PHA

PHA packaging is the first and most common application for this bioplastic. Many companies, particularly in the food industry, are looking for environmentally-friendly alternatives for packaging their products. All kinds of containers, films and packaging can be produced using PHA. More or less flexible or rigid, these biodegradable PHA products are also biocompatible and present no health risk.

PHA consumer products

Disposable PHA products are becoming popular alternatives to single-use plastics. They are mainly used for tableware such as :

• PHA cutlery
• PHA straws
• PHA plates
• PHA disposable cups

They are biodegradable and can even be composted in any environment. For the planet, for businesses and for consumers who want to reduce their ecological footprint, they come at just the right time.

Biodegradable PHA medical devices

In the medical industry, PHA devices are increasingly used for sutures, implants and stents. These devices offer a biocompatible solution, reducing the need to remove certain implants surgically. Also used as a structural element, PHA can help with tissue regeneration or even as a support (prosthesis). As well as reducing the risk of infection, they simplify the healing process.

PHA products in agriculture and horticulture

PHA products are also used in the agricultural sector, particularly for mulching film and netting. These products degrade naturally after use, reducing plastic waste in the fields and also improving soil quality. Agricultural practices are being renewed, while minimising environmental impact. Like a circular process, the elements are returned to the Earth.

PHA products: a promising future for manufacturers

The PPWR directive (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), adopted by the European Union, sets ambitious recycling targets. By 2025, 60% of packaging must be recycled, rising to 80% by 2035. Fortunately, PHA can help to meet these requirements for recyclability and compostability… In short, it’s time to turn to the materials of the future!

PHA Sourcing: your ally in your ecological transition

Our company, PHA Sourcing, is at your side to help you make this ecological and technological transition. Contact our teams to develop PHA solutions tailored to your business sector. Innovation, performance and compliance with standards: our entity is your ally. With the ability to produce in large quantities and offer you reliability, our company is able to support you over many years.

The market for PHA products is booming. Various sectors, such as packaging, medicine and the food industry, are gradually adopting these biopolymers. Its ecological and functional properties make it a material of choice. So, are you ready to take the plunge?