Fortum Recycling & Waste has introduced INGA, which is claimed to be the first biodegradable plastic created entirely from stored carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.
This material is expected to transform the plastic production industry by offering a fossil- and microplastic-free alternative to traditional plastic.
INGA is a type of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) material, which is not only biodegradable but also versatile in its mechanical properties, according to the company.
The solution can be used in a wide range of applications, including electronic appliances, toys, and cosmetics packaging. Its advanced barrier properties make it a sustainable choice for food packaging as well.
The production of INGA represents an advancement in PHA development, combining PHA polymers with various additives and fillers to create a polyester plastic that is hydrophobic, thermoplastic, and biodegradable in multiple environments.
These properties allow INGA to be processed using different methods such as extrusion and injection moulding.
INGA closes the carbon cycle and decomposes without leaving harmful microplastics. Industrial production of INGA is anticipated to commence by the end of the decade.
Fortum Recycling & Waste INGA development team head Tony Rehn said: “It is time to rethink plastic production and move away from fossil feedstock.
“There is an ever-increasing need for high-quality sustainable plastics that can be used everywhere and that meet the set requirements, whether it be hygiene, colour, haptic or barrier properties.
“Not only does INGA answer all of those demands, but it is also biodegradable and does not leave any microplastics behind. In terms of quality, INGA has the same properties as virgin plastics.”
Fortum Recycling & Waste, a provider of environmentally friendly waste management and recycling services, operates in the Nordics with approximately 900 employees. It has been producing Circo plastic recyclate since 2016.
The company recently signed an agreement to divest its recycling and waste business to Summa Equity through its portfolio company NG Group. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year.
