Metabolix to Highlight Range of Applications for Mirel PHA Biopolymers at NPE 2015

1. March 11, 2015
Metabolix to Highlight Range of Applications for Mirel PHA Biopolymers at NPE 2015
-PHA Performance Modifiers for PLA
-PHA Process Aids and Performance Modifiers for PVC
-Innovative Development Grades for PHA Modified PLA Film
-Customer Samples in a Wide Range of Applications
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 11, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Metabolix, Inc., (Nasdaq:MBLX) an advanced biomaterials
company focused on sustainable solutions for the plastics industry, today announced that it will highlight at NPE 2015 its high
performance PHA biopolymers. Show attendees may visit Metabolix at booth S15041 at NPE 2015: The International Plastics
Showcase to be held in Orlando, Florida on March 23-27, 2015.
"NPE 2015 represents an important opportunity for us to present the current range of our high-performance biopolymer
solutions to potential customers and partners in the plastics industry," said Max Senechal, vice president, strategy and
commercial development, at Metabolix, Inc. "Our Mirel®
biopolymer resins are derived from renewable resources and suitable
for applications requiring biodegradation in soil, compost, fresh water and marine environments. In addition, we look forward to
working with customers on new applications where our PHA biopolymers can be used as performance additives for
conventional or biobased polymers such as PVC and PLA."
Mirel polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) biopolymers enable plastics converters and brand owners to meet sustainability and
performance objectives. At its booth, Metabolix will showcase products and display customer samples based on applications in
construction and packaging materials, as well as in industrial and consumer markets. Samples on display at the Metabolix
booth will include high biocontent compostable bags; packaging film; fibers; utensils; 3-D filament; electrical cables;
micropowders and biodegradable agricultural items.
Metabolix will showcase the following biopolymer products at the show:
PLA Polymeric Modifiers: Metabolix is developing and commercializing PHA-based polymeric modifiers that can
extend the performance range of PLA, while maintaining biocontent and compostability. Metabolix has shown that
at low loading levels, PHA modified PLA shows an excellent balance of properties including increased toughness
combined with increased ductility.
Developmental Grades for Film and Packaging Applications: Metabolix will be featuring developmental film
grades based on a-PHA modified PLA. Metabolix will display and sample films that provide high biocontent ( >
95%), high load carrying capability and industrial compostability.
PVC Processing Aids and Polymeric Modifiers: Metabolix is developing biobased PHA processing aids and
performance modifiers for rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible PVC as well as PVC recyclate compounds. As a process
aid, Metabolix PHA additives allow torque reduction in highly filled systems, resulting in the ability to increase filler
content and improve equipment performance. As performance modifiers, Metabolix PHA additives in PVC systems
improve permanence in durable applications.
Development Grade Barrier Coatings for Paper and Cardboard: Metabolix has generated data showing that
biobased paper coatings based on PHA possess excellent barrier properties to water and grease, and are
compatible with the re-pulping operations typically used to recycle paper and corrugated cardboard.
PHA Micropowders: Metabolix is developing PHA technology to replace non-biodegradable plastic microbeads
with PHA biopolymer materials that are biobased and marine degradable. Metabolix recently formed a global,
exclusive commercial and technical alliance with Honeywell for PHA biopolymers used in personal care
applications.
Functional Biodegradation: The biocontent and unparalleled biodegradation profile of Mirel®
biopolymer

2. materials make them uniquely suited to a range of applications from agricultural and marine uses to water
treatment and consumer products.
Metabolix Presentations at ANTEC
Two research papers related to Metabolix research will be presented at ANTEC, the SPI technical conference co-located with
NPE, on Tuesday, March 24 2015. Mike Andrews, PhD, director of extrusion applications at Metabolix will be presenting a paper
titled "Improving the Physical Properties and Versatility of PLA with PHA Copolymer Blends" as part of the Polymer Modifiers
and Additives session. In addition, Christopher Thellen of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering
Center (NSRDEC) will be presenting a paper titled "Biodegradable Latex Paper Coatings Based on Polyhydroxyalkanoates for
Improved Moisture Resistance" as part of the Bioplastics Session.
About Metabolix
Metabolix, Inc. is an innovation-driven specialty materials company focused on delivering high-performance biopolymer
solutions to customers in the plastics industry. Metabolix's Mirel® biopolymer resins, which are derived from renewable
resources, are a family of biobased performance additives based on PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates). Metabolix's proprietary
biotechnology platform enables the creation of specialty biopolymers for use in a broad range of applications such as
construction and packaging materials, as well as industrial, agricultural, consumer and personal care products.
For more information, please visit www.metabolix.com.
CONTACT: Lynne H. Brum, (617) 682-4693
LBrum@metabolix.com
Or
Caitlin Hunt, (781) 684-0770
Metabolix@MSLGROUP.com
Source: Metabolix, Inc.
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