Monsanto’s resulting Biopol resins can be converted into various types of plastic products, depending on the physical properties of the resin used. The first major product, a degradable shampoo bottle, was developed about 5 years ago. However, because Biopol resin prices ranging from $4 USD to $6 USD per pound (somewhat higher than prices for other degradable resins) the number of markets for Biopol may be limited. According to Monsanto, major target products are likely to be plastic films and coatings. With environmental regulations in several European countries, particularly Germany, favoring degradable products, the principal markets for Biopol are in Europe and to a limited extent, Japan. Current sole production capacity is in Europe and is estimated at 300 metric tons annually.
For food packaging applications such as those used for produce and meats, PHAs have moisture vapor barrier properties comparable to existing food-packaging materials such as polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene. PHA materials also have a high surface energy making the material receptive to printing inks and dyes. PHAs are also UV resistant and have oxygen barrier comparable to that of ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH).
PHA is currently being considered for flexible packaging applications used for cheese, peanuts and other high oil content foods, frozen foods and natural foods.