If you’re someone who’s stayed abreast of plastic alternatives, you may be asking what is PHA? PHA is one of the latest bio-based polymers to make waves in the sustainability world. So far, PHA straws appear to be the most popular use for this innovative material, so we’ll take a look at why we need a replacement for plastic and how this material is contributing to greener sipping. 

What is PHA?

PHA, or polyhydroxyalkanoates, is one of the newer bioplastics on the scene offering a 100% renewable beginning-of-life process. It's also gaining popularity due to its incredible ease of compostability compared to other bioplastics like PLA (polylactic acid).

PHA is a bio-based polymer that can be made using plant feedstocks including waste. To create this biopolymer, vegetable oils, sugars, starches, and even methane and wastewater are processed using bacterial fermentation. 

This process mimics what is found in nature. Joining proteins, starch, and cellulose, PHAs are a class of natural materials: they’re polyesters that are naturally synthesized in bacteria. The video below shows a helpful demonstration!