Data Shows Metabolix Biobased PHA Copolymers Enhance Processing, Properties and Performance of Recycled PVC

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and ISELIN, N.J., Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Vinyltec 2013 -- Metabolix, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBLX), an innovation-driven performance biomaterials company delivering sustainable solutions to the plastics, chemicals and energy industries, today announced that new biobased polymeric modifiers designed by Metabolix enhance the processing and properties of recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Senior Polymer Scientist Dr. Yelena Kann, Ph.D., will present new data during the Society of Plastics Engineers' Vinyltec 2013 conference in a presentation titled, "PHA Copolymers as Recycled PVC Property Enhancers," on Wednesday, October 23, 2013. 

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The new findings to be presented by Dr. Kann will demonstrate the benefits of PHA-based copolymers in the processing of recycled PVC. When using this modifier at traditional levels in medical and general grade PVC recylates, Metabolix polymeric modifiers improve key PVC properties such as tensile toughness, hardness and tear resistance. The data also show that these new biobased modifiers act as robust process aids, offering excellent inherent miscibility in PVC and enabling improved processing that lowers torque and enhances flow.

"Metabolix continues to make great strides in the development of biobased property modifiers and processing aids for new and recycled PVC. Earlier this month, Metabolix launched its new biobased polymeric modifier, I6003rp, for recycled PVC. We are excited to present our latest findings at Vinyltec 2013 showing how our products upgrade the physical properties and value of PVC recyclates," said Bob Engle, vice president, biopolymers, at Metabolix. "The presentation will arm converters and compounders with new data on the use of this modifier to enable increased usage of scrap material without compromising quality."

Dr. Kann's presentation will take place on Wednesday, October 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel in Iselin, New Jersey. The data builds on Dr. Kann's presentation from last year's Vinyltec conference, where she presented findings on the use of PHA-based copolymers in improving the toughness and permanence characteristics of flexible and semi-rigid PVC.

Metabolix currently offers two biobased performance additives for PVC, including I6003rp for recycled PVC and I6001, a biobased polymeric modifier for flexible and semi-rigid PVC that brings toughness, elongation and plastification without migration or compromising clarity. 

About Metabolix

Metabolix, Inc. is an advanced biomaterials company that is well positioned to address growing market demand for sustainable solutions in the plastics, chemicals and energy industries. The Company is developing and commercializing a family of high-performance biopolymers targeted to the markets for film and bag applications, performance additives and functional biodegradation. Metabolix's biobased chemicals platform is focused on high-value segments and applications using its novel "FAST" recovery process. The Company also is developing a platform for co-producing plastics, chemicals and energy from crops. Metabolix has established an industry-leading intellectual property portfolio that, together with its knowledge of advanced industrial practice, provides a foundation for industry collaborations.

For more information, please visit www.metabolix.com.  

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release which are not strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding expectations for market demand and Metabolix product development, constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including the risks and uncertainties detailed in Metabolix's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Metabolix assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.

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SOURCE Metabolix, Inc.