FAQ

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are naturally occurring biopolymers produced by microorganisms, plants, and humans. They can be completely bio-based and fully biodegradable in soil, home compost, industrial compost, and marine environments. 

PHA doesn’t come from fossil fuels, it comes from nature. It can be grown through fermentation and the material can break down into water and CO₂ or CH4 through microbial activity (enzymatic attack) — without leaving microplastics behind. 

Anything typically made from polypropylene or polyethylene: injection-molded parts like consumer goods, toys, beauty and similar packaging, film for food service items, general packaging and agricultural products, coatings, 3D printing and more. 

Yes. PHA is non-toxic, BPA-free, and suited for products intended for children or food handling. 

Yes, PHA can be prone to enzymatic attack by microorganisms that naturally live in marine environments—this is one of its strongest environmental advantages. 

Biodegradation speed depends on thickness, temperature, environment, and a few other factors. For reference, a thin film of PHA in a 37 deg C anaerobic digestor environment can completely biodegrade in less than 2 weeks.

No. PHA is shelf-stable.

We offer multiple grades suitable for injection molding, extrusion film, sheet, coatings,3D printing, nitrogen removal, and others. Our current focusinon injection molded formats, 3D printing, and nitrogen removal. Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available upon request. 

Typical processing temperatures range from 155–175°C, depending on grade. We provide recommended processing parameters for each application. 

Yes, PHA is compatible with standard equipment. Some processes may require minor adjustments to temperature, cooling cycles, or mold release. 

MOQs vary by material grade. For our commercial injection molding grades, we offer 1,000-pound super sacs. Smaller test batches are available for other grades, depending on properties needed. 

Yes. We can create custom formulations for your application through joint development projects or similar approaches. 

PHA has good stiffness and impact resistance, comparable to certain commodity plastics. We guide designers on wall thickness and geometry modifications to optimize performance. 

YOPP PHA pellets have been used in environmental products, children’s toys, packaging, agriculture, pet products, promotional goods, and sustainable consumer brands.

See products made with YOPP

Yes. We work with groups to provide environmental data and test results evaluating PHA for sustainability claims. 

Submit a quote request through our B2B form with your desired volume, application, and timeline. 

Store in a dry, room-temperature space away from direct sunlight. Reseal open bags to avoid moisture uptake before processing. 

Under proper storage conditions, PHA pellets have a shelf life of at least 12 months.

PHAs are sensitive to high processing temperatures. We help manufacturers determine fit and provide alternative blends when needed. 

Yes. PHA can be blended with natural fibers, biopolymers like PLA, or performance additives, depending on the desired properties. 

Cycle times may differ depending on part thickness and cooling requirements, but many manufacturers achieve competitive production speeds. 

All demo products are made from our fully formulated YOPP PHA pellets—a biodegradable, biopolymer produced by nature, BPA-free, and suitable for families seeking more sustainable materials. 

Yes. PHA products are durable for everyday outdoor use. They do not begin biodegrading unless exposed to microbial environments such as compost or soil. So, as long as they are rinsed and not stored exposed to soil or similar environments, they should be fine. 

Most customers describe PHA as feeling similar to traditional plastic—smooth and stable. 

Sure. Note that higher surface area, warmer temperatures, and consistent mixture and moisture will help accelerate microbial activity. 

While PHA can theoretically be recycled, they are not yet compatible with traditional plastic recycling streams available in the US. 

It reflects our belief that materials should work with the earth, not against it. Our mission is to replace petroleum plastics with naturally regenerative, high-performance biopolymers. YOPP = You Omit Polluting Plastics 

We ship the YOPP PHA pellets globally. 

Yes. Please contact us.

All major credit cards, Shop Pay, PayPal, and invoicing for B2B orders. 

While PHA can theoretically be recycled, they are not yet compatible with traditional plastic recycling streams available in the US. 

No. PHA breaks down through microbial digestion into CO₂ or CH₄, water, and biomass—no polluting microplastics remain. 

PHA production generally results in a significantly reduced carbon footprint due to regenerative feedstocks and methane conversion pathways. 

PHA can break down in modern landfills, where leachate is cycled and biodegradation is controlled, helping reduce long-term plastic persistence. 

Yes. Many PHA materials meet ASTM D6400, EN 13432, and marine biodegradability certifications depending on grade and format.