Through Telles, a joint venture with Metabolix, Inc., ADM is helping meet the world’s growing demand for environmentally responsible products. Mirel™ bioplastics are a versatile line of biopolymers (polyhydroxyalkanoates or PHAs) that are made from a microbial fermentation process of corn sugar and can be used in a wide variety of consumer products, packaging, and durable goods. Its key features include heat and moisture resistance, durability, and ability to be processed on existing equipment. Because of these properties, Mirel can replace many petroleum-based plastic materials, from olefins and styrenics to ABS and polycarbonate.
Mirel bioplastics are biodegradable in natural soil and water environments, home composting systems, and industrial composting facilities. 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 other bioplastics and organic matter, Mirel is not designed to biodegrade in landfills.
