Biodegradable plastic?
Earlier this week, Archer Daniels Midland, an agriculture company, and biotech firm Metabolix announced plans to sell a biodegradable plastic made from corn (it will be called Mirel). The two companies will launch Mirel in a number of consumer based products ranging from gift cards to razor holders. The main problem with traditional plastics, as many know, is that they remain in our environment for a long period of time versus a few months with Mirel. Interestingly, according to an article by CNET, “the petroleum to make these plastics accounts for 10% of the oil the US consumes.”
While this new ‘green’ plastic is better for the environment than the traditional source, the issue of using corn certainly has its social issues, similar to that of corn-based ethanol. In recent times, we have seen the price of corn rise dramatically – and while this might be good news for the corn market, this will impact those individuals that depend on corn for food. This again illustrates that when we look at all our responsibilities [economic, environmental, and social], finding a truly sustainable solution is very difficult.
Lisa
May 28, 2007 @ 6:29 pm
There is definately a need to be socially conscious when it comes to finding a solution for a problem such as this. A €36 million, four-year initiative is underway in Europe at the moment to encourage the wide use of recyclable packaging based on biopolymers, paper and board. http://www.knowledgerich.com/NewsItem.aspx?newsitemid=1178