Kaneka Biodegradable Polymer "Green Planet"

This time, we're introducing "Kaneka Biodegradable Polymer Green Planet," a product developed by Kaneka Corporation.

Source: Twitter Kaneka Belgium

(https://twitter.com/Kaneka_be/status/1490690739348590597?s=20&t=Ww3EyMIGLq5RQWO1kGDXDQ)

Green Planet (formerly known as PHBH) is a polymer that is plant-derived yet biodegradable.

In other words, it is a type of bioplastic.

Bioplastics is a general term for two types of plastics:

The first is "biomass plastic," which is plant-derived and not biodegradable.

The second is "biodegradable plastic," which is petroleum-derived and biodegradable.

Furthermore, materials that are plant-derived and biodegradable are also included in bioplastics.

Source: Introduction to Biomass Plastics – JBPA (jbpaweb.net)

Green Planet is a plastic that combines the characteristics of both plant-derived raw materials and biodegradability.

Another example of a plant-derived, biodegradable plastic is PLA (polylactic acid).

It's already available on the market as a fiber, and some of you may already be familiar with it.

We will introduce the characteristics of Green Planet while comparing it to PLA.

First, regarding the raw materials and manufacturing method, PLA is mainly produced by extracting starch from corn and sugarcane, breaking it down into sugar, adding lactic acid bacteria, fermenting it, and then extracting lactic acid.

Source: Polymer Future Academy "Column 4_Environment and Polymers Part 2_Hirasaka Edition" (https://bit.ly/3N8AIvQ)

In contrast, Green Planet is manufactured from polymers accumulated in the bodies of microorganisms that have ingested vegetable oil.

Source: Why will Kaneka's biodegradable polymer Green Planet® make the world healthier? (https://www.kaneka.co.jp/solutions/phbh/)

Next, regarding biodegradability, PLA decomposes in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment called compost.

Source: Public Co., Ltd. "Food Recycling" (https://public-g.com/business/foodwasterecycling/)

While biodegradability is often thought to mean that decomposition begins under any conditions, in reality, decomposition hardly progresses in normal soil or aquatic environments.

Source: Mitsubishi Research Institute (https://www.mri.co.jp/knowledge/column/20190408.html)

Decomposition is particularly difficult in aquatic environments. Even PBS, which decomposes in general soil environments, hardly decomposes in aquatic environments.

In contrast, Green Planet decomposes even in aquatic environments. Of course, it also decomposes in compost and general soil environments. Furthermore, decomposition has been confirmed to proceed even in the deep sea, where temperatures are low and microorganisms are scarce.

Both PLA and Green Planet are ultimately decomposed by microorganisms, but in the case of PLA, it needs to be broken down to a size that microorganisms can consume, so it hardly decomposes in typical soil or water.

Understanding these characteristics and appropriately selecting and using materials that match the intended use and purpose will contribute to protecting the natural environment.

Source: pro.foto "kam0006-024"

(https://pro-foto.jp/free/product_info.php/cPath/21_28_76/products_id/371)

Finally, regarding biodegradability certification, it has received certification not only in Japan but also in the United States and Europe.

In particular, European certification includes certification systems for natural environments other than compost, and certification has been obtained for soil and seawater.

Source: Biodegradable Polymers | Business & Products | Kaneka Corporation (https://www.kaneka.co.jp/business/material/nbd_001.html)

Green Planet is already being used in a variety of applications, not just the straws we previously introduced, but also in cosmetic containers, cutlery, and more.

Source: Solving the Challenge of Marine Pollution | The Path to Becoming an Inner Paradigm Changer | Management Strategy | ESG Activities | Kaneka Corporation (https://www.kaneka.co.jp/esg/strategy/paradigm/ocean.html)

Further details can be found on Kaneka's special feature page and product page; please check the links below!