Metabolix develops oilseed crops to produce bioplastics and biofuels

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Metabolix develops oilseed crops to produce bioplastics and biofuels Metabolix, a bioscience company dedicated to developing clean and sustainable solutions for the production of plastics, fuels and chemicals, has launched plans to develop advanced industrial oilseed crops for the production of bioplastics and biofuels. 　　Oilseeds are the primary feedstock used to produce more than 250 million gallons of biodiesel annually in the United States and are used to co-produce bioplastics to promote improved economics in the crop industry. 　　As part of the launch, Metabolix has formed a strategic research alliance with the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. The consortium is supported by a 2-year, $1.14 million grant from the Missouri Life Sciences Trust. 　　The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has extensive experience in oilseed technology. Combining its experience with Metabolix's proprietary technology will facilitate the commercial production of a variety of oilseed crop products, which is expected to play an important role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. 　　This start-up program aims to create an alternative bio-based route to economically produce bioplastics and biofuels directly from non-food crops. Industrial oilseeds represent a third cropping system for which Metabolix is ​​applying its patented technology. The company is leading the way in developing improved seasonal forages and is also developing sugarcane crops to co-produce bio-based and biodegradable plastics. The company aims to meet global demand for clean energy and bioplastics more economically.