-- Effective performance is a secondary consideration. Many plastic products -- such as toothbrush handles, product packaging and printer cartridges -- are over-engineered, which increases cost and reduces biodegradability. This creates an opportunity for biopolymer suppliers to work with buyers to target the optimal level of performance, while offering more ecologically sound products that appeal to consumers. -- Near term, the cost of biopolymers will limit them to niche applications. Although the performance of some biopolymers like polylactic acid (PLA) stacks up against their petroleum-based counterparts, these materials cost nearly twice as much, as long as oil is below $100/barrel. Even if oil prices rise, increasing plant feedstock costs may sap the relative benefit of renewable materials. -- Chemical makers will form technology partnerships with academics and startups. Genetic and metabolic engineering offer radically new platforms for manufacturing polymer materials, and this has already spawned cross- industry partnerships. But as smaller players like GreenFuel reel from the collapse of oil prices and the financial crisis, incumbents could go bargain hunting to acquire new technologies on the cheap."Growing Tomorrow's Green Materials" is part of the Lux Biosciences Intelligence service. Clients subscribing to this service receive ongoing research on market and technology trends, continuous technology scouting reports and proprietary data points in the weekly Lux Research Biosciences Journal, and on-demand inquiry with Lux Research analysts. About Lux Research Lux Research provides strategic advice and on-going intelligence for emerging technologies. Leaders in business, finance and government rely on us to help them make informed strategic decisions. Through our unique research approach focused on primary research and our extensive global network, we deliver insight, connections and competitive advantage to our clients. Visit www.luxresearchinc.com for more information.
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