Metabolix in commercial and technology alliance with Honeywell for marine biodegradable biopolymers

11-Mar-15

Metabolix has entered into a global, exclusive commercial and technology alliance with Honeywell to offer new marine biodegradable biopolymers for use in cosmetics and personal care products. Through the alliance, Metabolix's Mirel® polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers will be developed as part of Honeywell's Asensa® line of personal care additives to help address pending legislation in the U.S. focused on replacing synthetic, non-biodegradable microbeads, as well as global demand for biobased and biodegradable alternatives. This technology is intended to meet increasing regulatory and other requirements around the world for personal care microbeads that biodegrade in marine and fresh water environments. Using applicable ASTM test methods, the marine biodegradability of Mirel PHA biopolymers has been shown to be similar to that of cellulose and paper, and is faster than other commercially available biodegradable polymers. "Honeywell's alliance with Metabolix will help us meet increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly personal care ingredients," said Heidi Lebel, global business manager for Honeywell's personal care business. "We look forward to offering new Honeywell Asensa solutions based on Mirel PHA biopolymers that will deliver great exfoliation performance that is gentle on both the skin and the planet." "With Honeywell's material science expertise and market channels, and Metabolix's history of innovation in sustainable biopolymers, we hope to see a range of new Asensa ingredients introduced to the market through this alliance," said Max Senechal, vice president, strategy and commercial development for Metabolix. "We are excited to work with Honeywell to bring the benefits of Mirel PHA biopolymers that have been shown to be biodegradable in soil, marine and fresh water environments to the personal care market.