To that end we have created Phimers, a patented starch-based polymer made with fatty acid ABUs (adaptive biodegradable units), which are considered one of the most versatile alternatives to single and multi-use plastics. ABUs can be engineered to biodegrade at different time intervals and can be blown into films and molded into shapes just like plastic. However, unlike plastic, ABUs can biodegrade complete unassisted, and will break down naturally after their intended purpose by microbial decomposition, to result in natural byproducts such as gases, water, biomass, and inorganic salts. 

 

Apart from being eco-friendly, Phimer also has excellent processability, good mechanical properties until degraded, and is a viable economic alternative to cheap plastics. 

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Phimer is manufactured into small pellets, also called pre-production pellets, which are the raw material input and building blocks for nearly every product made from plastic. The pellets provide the uniformity of composition required for the manufacturing process. Once converted from pellets into formed and molded functional items, Phimer has similar characteristics and offers the same benefits as plastic: it is waterproof, sealable, heat and cold resistant, and has a high tensile strength.

Phimers can also be tailored to achieve specific end-use, such as packaging film, bubble wrap film, straws, molded containers and utensils, and thermoformed containers and bottles. 

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Most importantly, the Phimer polymer is not dependent on the importation of raw materials and has been developed specifically to be compatible with existing plastic machinery without modification, making the transition for manufacturers incredibly cost effective and efficient, and as such, an attractive proposition.