is now regarded as one of the worst pollutants on earth. Plastic waste is a significant problem - ‘posing a serious challenge to the planet … and the answer to the global issue is right in our hands’, according to Xiao Minghua, general manager at Angel Yeast.
The company is committed to promoting biobased materials, including PHA and PLA, and is, to that end, cooperating with several industry partners.
Among others, aiming to advance the industrialisation of PHA it has established a joint venture with Beijing PhaBuilder Biotechnology Co., Ltd - PhaBuilder - to build a new PHA plant in Yichang, Hubei Province. PHA (polyhydeoxyalkanoates), a polyester produced naturally by microorganisms, is biodegradable and has biocompatible properties, making it highly sought-after in fields such as biomedical material and biodegradable packaging material.
With more than 150 types of PHA monomers, the diverse material properties and environmentally friendly degradation properties of PHA make it ideal for replacing traditional petrochemical plastics, which can be used in a wide range of applications of traditional and non-traditional polymers. The production of PHA has a zero carbon footprint, fully embodying green and environmental principles.
The joint venture has commenced construction of the new, 80,000-square-meter plant. An integrated PHA industry chain covering R&D, production, and sales, the site will have a production capacity of 30kt/a, with the first phase production line aiming to be operational in the first quarter of 2025.
Angel Yeast has also joined forces with Shanghai Synlife. The partners have formed a new joint venture called Hubei Uniqi Biological Technology Co., Ltd., to promote the scaled production of modified polylactic acid (PLA), Widely used in food and beverage containers, packaging, film and bag products, 3D additives, fibers, medical assistance and more, PLA accounts for 40 percent of biodegradable materials in the world.
Uniqi’s focus is on R&D aimed at creating a modified PLA that is degradable, while retaining its thermoplasticity, transparency, mechanical properties and performance. Leveraging extensive experience in PLA-based high-performance bio-based materials,the company has developed a series of new PLA products and achieved large-scale mass production successfully.
"The corporate mission and vision of Angel Yeast is closely linked to the pursuit of sustainable development, and we'll continue to boost the production and application of bio-based materials through technological innovation, and contribute to global environmental conservation causes. Angel Yeast firmly believes that through joint efforts, we can solve the problem of plastic pollution and guard the blue planet," said Minghua.