At MetaCycler BioInnovations, we introduce a new and more versatile biodegradable plastic. The PHA made in our lab has large applications given its high elasticity and strength compared to most plastic materials in the market. Below are some large-scale solutions of plastic objects that if made of PHA would have a net-zero impact on the environment.
Fishing Nets/Lines
Fishing nets and lines often break and rip off into the ocean, causing water waste to kills animals and ruin ecosystems within marine life. Making these two objects biodegradable using MetaCycler’s unique elastic property allows for a reduction of this negative impact on nature.
Produce Bags
About 2000 produce bags are used in store every day. This amount of plastic is lethal to the environment, and MetaCycler’s PHA can help this cause by creating biodegradable versions of it.1
Mulch Films
Mulch films used in farming often break into microplastics, harming soil health and ecosystems. Biodegradable versions decompose naturally, preventing pollution and supporting sustainable agriculture. The films must be flexible, and the PHA created in our labs would serve this efficiently.
Plastic Cutlery
Plastic cutlery is taking over every fast food franchise in the world and would have a larger positive impact on plastic pollution, if it was manufactured with a biodegradable plastic which is flexible.
Cable Ties
Cable ties are often single-use and discarded, with many ending up as persistent plastic waste. Biodegradable cable ties break down naturally, reducing litter and environmental impact.
- Zucker, Coby. “U of T Trash Team Partners with Grocery Chain to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Produce Bags.” University of Toronto, www.utoronto.ca/news/u-t-trash-team-partners-grocery-chain-reduce-single-use-plastic-produce-bags#:~:text=The%20team%20found%20that%20an,the%20stores%20running%20the%20pilot. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025. ↩︎