An Improved Process For Making Biobased Materials

Sustainable Chemicals LLC develops and commercializes entirely plant-based and compostable plastics to replace conventional polyolefins like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Our bioplastics are made from a bio-based monomer (raw material) that can be produced in large volumes from cellulosic biomass. We engineered our bioplastic for easy chemical recycling (i.e. depolymerization to recover the monomer) but also to have a benign end of life if dispersed to the environment where it degrades to non-persistent natural molecules that easily convert back to biomass. This USDA SBIR project aims to develop a higher performance form of our bioplastics for use in rigid applications such as cosmetic containers detergent bottles and soda bottle lids. The market acceptance of Sust-Chem bioplastic will enhance the agriculture sector's role as a reliable supplier of raw materials to the plastic industry reduce the US dependence on foreign oil and reduce the environmental impact of thermoplastic manufacture use and disposal.