The microbial poly hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family of polyesters are thermoplastic with biodegradable and biocompatible properties. They are produced from various carbon substrates by microorganisms. Ralstnia entropha produces PHB (poly-3-hydroxybutyrate) homopolymer and PHBV (poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) copolymer from various carbon sources including glucose, fructose and organic acids(C2-C7).

PHBV is a fully bio-based and 100% biodegradable polymer. It is a bio-polyester, produced by microorganisms and can be completely, digested by microorganisms to carbon dioxide, water and biomass in soil, compost, rivers, and oceans. PHBV possesses high biological compatibility and barrier to water, gases and aromas. There is a wide range of possible applications such as medical materials (suture, bone-nails), film products (mulch films, shopping bags, compost bags), disposable items (pens, tableware) and packaging materials (especially for food packaging) as well as more durable products such as the EcoGen product line, Office goods, electronic parts and Automotive components .

PHBV is derived from natural sugar. Its excellent biodegradable and biocompatible properties make it a viable sustainable alternative to many of the polymer materials presently made from oil, gas or coal. The utilization of PHBV will help reduce dependency on fossil resources; reduce white pollution; reduce greenhouse gases and make a valuable contribution to a sustainable economy.

Tianan currently produces three kinds of PHBV materials:

ENMAT-Y1000, pure PHBV powder

ENMAT Y1010 PHBV powder blended with a nucleant and antioxidant

ENMAT Y1000P. This is a pelletized from of Y1010

In addition, we supply compounded grades of PHBV with BASF’s Ecoflex. These two grades, which are made to order are:

ENMAT501, pellets for injection molding

ENMAT601, pellets for blown film

Tianan’s PHBV fully conforms to the standards of biodegradability of ISO14855-1999（GB19277-2003） and ASTM D6400. It has been certified for biodegradability, by BPI in the USA and by BMG-Biodegradable Materials Group of China. Tianan’s PHBV has recently also been approved for use in products for food packaging in Europe.