$11.56
-0.48 (-3.99%)
Metabolix, Inc. (MBLX)
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The Company is a biotechnology company that develops and plans to commercialize environmentally sustainable, economically attractive alternatives to petrochemical-based plastics, fuels and chemicals.
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There are several other companies who are doing bioplastics better and cheaper with resin available now.
Biodegradable plastics do NOT degrade in landfills. They are NOT recyclable. They are NOT the answer. Their palstic can contaminate palstics that can be recycled. Packaging companies are staying far away. But these are the same companies they are trying desperately to woo. The only good use for this material is for plastics that always wind up in the environment, so maybe plant stakes.
It makes much more sense for industry to improve recycling. And as far as a plant source versus oil for feedstock: their are companies now making traditional plastics (like polyethylene) from plant sources. And these plastics CAN be recycled.
I think Metabilix is good at selling one thing: stock!
I cannot help but be amused by the irrational comment. I have seen the product when it is first made and I have seen it after it has been in the dirt for months. Have you? Recycle has its issues too. it isn't a complete answer as is suggested. So-I own Metabolix stock, I also own ADM stock, I believe they will outperform those who are patient and not so radical
(This is the original poster...I can't seem to find my account password)Irrational?? Don't think so.Actually, YES : I have seen the pictures of this plastic after it has been in the "soil". I don't disagree that Metabolix plastic can biodegrade...the problems is that it will ONLY degrade if it is composted or in some other specific conditions like sea water. The pictures you have seen are of psamples that have been placed in carefully set up composting situations. Not just in dirt. It won't degrade in landfills. Newspapers and corn take a 100 years to biodegrade in a landfill. I once heard the CEO say it has similar biodegradability to wood...HMMM...how long does it take wood to decompose? Anyway: I don't dispute it will degrade if composted. Problem is there are no muncipal composting facilities in the vast majority of the country. It CAN'T be recycled and in fact can contaminate the existing recycling stream.My main point was I have yet to see ONE COMPELLING REASON that Metabolix's plastic (PHA types) than the current available PLA plastics that are all over the place. My Ben & Jerry's ice cream yesterday was in a PLA cup. WalMart uses PLA packaging for produce. There may be some applications where PHA's are better...but NOT the packaging applications which is the largest market for this material. I recall Metabolix promoting that their plastic could be used to line coffee cups because PLA didn't have the temperature reistance. Well now, before Metabolix can even get their plant ready, a PLA that can withstand the high temps has already been developed and is on the market.Biodegradable is only better for products that will be tossed along the side of the road. It is a shame that consumers don't understand the benefits of plastic and just hear the negatives. Using plastic to make items saves MILLIONS OF BARRELS of oil over using paper or glass or metal. I do support using non petroleum sources for raw materials for plastic. But Metabolix is far from the only company doing this. They are a mere minnow in a big pond. I have been amazed how great they are at capturing attention when there are many others making non-petroleum based plastic and making themsleves sound like they are the only ones who are doing this!
It is so easy to write "not" to dismiss something you hate.Try a more positive approach once to see how your life becomes easier to work with.Biodegradeables do degrade in landfills. why recycle when you can degrade to basic nutrients in the earth? They are the answer to the petrol based non-degradeable plastice we will see for a very long time. Yes we want to reduce those oil type plastics not recycle them.
Mirel has been certified in accorance with EU biodegradability standards. See:
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1595472/metabolix_announces_that_mireltm_bioplastic_resins_are_certified_to_european/
for more details.
These certifications include biodegradability in soil, water, and composting heaps.
I don't see the point of arguing whether it does or does not degrade in soil -- the fact is, it does.
I've read countless articles about tests by the EU as well as potential customers who've had success and in fact said it surpasses its claims.
And this 'malarky' about how it isn't recyclable, etc. -- that is an issue with the plastics products you claim are produced 'cheaper' -- there are folks (Braskem?) and some in Italy who produce a similar product from oilseed/crops but unlike Mirel they don't breakdown in water/dirt and because they require special handling they can't enter the recycling system. Again, Mirel is different.
The fact is, it works. Get on board buddy -- Bus is leaving.