About Genecis

PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) is a naturally produced, biodegradable, and sustainable polymer made from microorganisms sourced from organic waste materials.

PHA is nature’s way of storing carbon and energy within bacteria. First discovered in the 1920s, it wasn’t until the 1970s that researchers began exploring PHA’s potential as a plastic-replacement. By then, though, oil-based plastics were very cheap, as a result of fossil fuel subsidies, so PHA plastics didn’t gain market traction. Until now.

PHA is a naturally-occurring polymer produced by bacteria.

First, bacteria are grown in a nutrient-rich culture medium. As they grow, they consume carbon sources like sugars and fatty acids from organic waste, converting them into building blocks called monomers.

Second, the bacteria are deprived of specific nutrients, like nitrogen or phosphorus. This deprivation encourages the bacteria to produce PHA, which is a carbon cell for energy storage. The cells use the monomers from the first stage for this PHA production. PHA accumulates within the bacteria.

After the bacteria have produced a sufficient amount of PHA, they can be harvested and processed for PHA extraction. Once extracted, the PHA is purified, processed, and available for use as a sustainable, biodegradable material for a range of applications in various industries.

PHA is a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics and can be used in a wide variety of applications, including

• Replacing single-use plastics, including packaging,

• Clothing and textiles (with zero micro-plastic shedding),

• Automotive interiors,

• Medical tools and products, including sutures, grafts, and other equipment, and

• Food contact applications.

PHA breaks down naturally in the environment without leaving behind harmful microplastics or toxic residue.

Ideally, PHA products will be composted, but if they end up in a landfill or a waterway (as most products do, unfortunately), they will break down safely with no impact on the natural environment.

PHA breaks down in all natural land and sea environments. PHA generally breaks down within a year, depending on the thickness of the material, as well as environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, pH, nutrient availability, and the presence of pollutants. PHA breaks down into smaller fragments until microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, or algae are able to use it as a source of carbon and energy. These microorganisms produce enzymes that can further break down the PHA fragments into carbon dioxide, water, and other simple compounds that the natural environment can assimilate.

Our goal is to build a robust circular economy by turning organic waste into PHA, then composting PHA-based products at end-of-life so they can be upcycled into new products. The circular economy for PHA aims to create a closed-loop system where waste is minimized and resources are conserved, leading to a more sustainable and resilient economy.