Metabolix Now Shipping I6001 PHA-based Polymeric Modifier For PVC

Metabolix, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBLX), an innovation-driven bioscience company focused on delivering sustainable solutions for plastics, chemicals and energy, today announced that I6001, a biobased polymeric modifier for PVC (polyvinyl chloride) formulations based on Metabolix PHA resin, is now available for shipment to customers. Metabolix designed I6001 as a performance additive to improve the mechanical and environmental performance characteristics of PVC. With a diverse use pattern ranging from construction materials to medical applications, PVC has an estimated market demand of approximately 35 million metric tons per year.

Metabolix researchers recently developed a series of PHA-based polymeric modifiers and presented data demonstrating very good miscibility with PVC and significant improvements in the modification and processing of PVC. Based on these findings, Metabolix developed I6001 polymeric modifier which significantly improves impact resistance and toughness in rigid and flexible PVC applications without compromising PVC transparency or UV stability. I6001 also may serve as a PVC processing aid due to its excellent miscibility and shear melting with PVC. Additional benefits of I6001 include plasticization, low modifier volatization and low extractables. I6001 is 85 percent biobased and is now available commercially.

Metabolix is developing a series of second generation products in the modifier space which the Company plans to launch in 2013 in conjunction with the planned start-up of PHA biopolymer manufacturing in Spain.

“As our new polymeric modifier for PVC, I6001 contributes renewable content while delivering an impressive set of processing advantages and performance characteristics,” said Bob Engle, vice president, commercial development of biopolymers at Metabolix. “We look forward to working with customers to identify suitable applications for PVC formulations using our polymeric modifiers. Next year, we are planning to introduce additional performance additives with very high biocontent for PVC and other commercially important resins to underscore our commitment to providing customers with sustainable, high-performance products that enable them to satisfy consumer demands, differentiate brands and meet evolving government regulations.”

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