Kaneka's Biodegradable Plastic "GreenPla" (1990s-2000s)

Kaneka's Biodegradable Plastic "GreenPla" (1990s-2000s)
In the 1990s, the problem of marine debris and the tightness of final disposal sites became social issues in Japan, and people began to be aware of the limits of mass production and disposal of plastic-dependent materials. Air pollution caused by incineration, the increase in drifting litter, and the plastic bag problem attracted attention, and environmental policy discussions focused on plastic reduction. Against this backdrop, research on biodegradable plastics that break down naturally in soil and seawater accelerated, and new materials were sought that would break away from dependence on fossil resources.
GreenPla (PHBH) developed by Kaneka is a biopolymer that utilizes the metabolites of microorganisms, and its main feature is that it decomposes naturally not only in soil but also in seawater. While most biodegradable plastics require a controlled environment such as a composting facility, GreenPla has attracted international attention as a material to address the marine plastic problem because it degrades under a wider range of natural conditions. In addition, its flexibility, heat resistance, and processability make it applicable to a wide range of uses, including films, packages, straws, and agricultural materials, and its practical application has been promoted.
The fact that it is bio-derived and contributes to carbon neutrality was also highly regarded, and expectations were high in the context of measures to reduce greenhouse gases. GreenPla is not just an environmentally friendly material, but is symbolic of a recycling-oriented society that rethinks the entire life cycle of plastics, and as a pioneer in the development of sustainable materials, it is influencing current bioplastic research.