Metabolix Launches I6003rp, A New Biobased Performance Additive To Improve The Processing And Performance Of Recycled PVC

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Metabolix, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBLX), an innovation-driven performance biomaterials company delivering sustainable solutions to the plastics, chemicals and energy industries, today announced the launch of I6003rp, a new biobased polymeric performance additive for recycled PVC (polyvinyl chloride).   I6003rp demonstrates the value of excellent miscibility in PVC when used in combination with recycle PVC. This certified biobased process aid lowers processing torque and improves properties. 

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With increasing PVC waste coming from short-life products such as packaging, bottles and medical devices, as well as from long-life products such as pipes, window frames and cable insulation that have been in service for significant time and are increasingly being replaced, more PVC is entering the waste stream. "While PVC is one of the largest recycled polymers by volume, the amount of discarded post-industrial scrap and post-consumer waste that is actually recycled is still very low compared to the amount that is landfilled every year. Due to deterioration in physical properties when reprocessed, scrap PVC is downgraded and devalued," said Bob Engle, vice president, biopolymers, at Metabolix.

"I6003rp is a performance-driven additive that improves toughness and makes processing easier, enabling PVC converters to increase the rate of recycle use without compromising hardness. PVC Repro suppliers can upgrade the quality and value of Repro products," added Bob Engle. 

Metabolix developed I6003rp based on data confirming that specific Metabolix grades of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) have superb miscibility with PVC and enhance the processing and properties of recycled PVC. Dr. Yelena Kann, product development scientist at Metabolix, will be presenting this data at SPE Vinyltec 2013 being held October 21-23, 2013.

In 2012, Metabolix launched I6001, a biobased polymeric modifier for flexible and semi-rigid PVC that brings toughness, elongation and plastification without migration or compromising clarity.   I6003rp represents an extension of the product line. With this process aid, Metabolix continues to drive advancements in the use of performance biopolymers for PVC manufacturing by harnessing the power of its innovative PHA-technology platform.  

At K 2013, taking place from October 16 – 23, 2013 in Dusseldorf, Germany, Metabolix will be showcasing I6003rp and I6001 PVC modifiers, Mvera B5010, a new compostable film grade resin, and a number of additional biobased master batch and bio-composite resin products. For more information on I6003rp, including a product bulletin, please visit the product page.

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.