Part 3/9:
Today, AirCarbon products are beginning to appear in stores such as Shake Shack and Target across the United States, offering consumers a plastic-like product that breaks down safely in the environment. The overarching question is: what does it take to scale this innovation to a global level?
The Science Behind Bioplastics: Alternatives to Petroleum-Based Plastics
Most traditional plastics are derived from petroleum, but there are two main bioplastic alternatives:
PLA (Polylactic Acid): Made from sugar, it is biodegradable but still synthetic and not easily broken down in nature.
PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates): Including PHB, produced naturally by microorganisms, making it more compatible with environmental degradation.