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posted by martyb on Saturday October 07 2017, @10:50AM   Printer-friendly
from the future-looks...ripe dept.

This biotech startup uses methane-eating bacteria to create fully biodegradable polymers.

Mango Materials is a biotech startup from San Francisco that has come up with an ingenious method for transforming methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into plastic. The process involves feeding methane to bacteria, which then produce a biodegradable polymer (polyhydroxyalkanoate, or PHA). This polymer can be spun into polyester fabric and used for clothing, carpets, and possibly packaging, although the company is most focused on the garment industry right now.

The methane used by Mango Materials comes from a waste treatment plant in the Bay Area, but the company is looking at partnering with other sources of methane, such as dairy farms, in order to get more. The technology creates value for methane, which is a novel idea.

How long would it take to fart a sweater — are we talking one burrito, or two?


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  • (Score: 1) by jman on Sunday October 08 2017, @01:17PM

    by jman (6085) Subscriber Badge on Sunday October 08 2017, @01:17PM (#578866) Homepage
    Just some of the new clothing lines that may come from this technological breakthrough:

    Dungamoos

    Flatupants

    Squeaker Sneakers

    The SBD LBD

    Beano Blazers

    Even-More-Flammable Flannel

    Smelly Smocks (Now with more smell!)

    Elevator Apparel

    "I Did", by He Who Dealt It

    Cuttlefish Casual