Biopolymer Company Contributes Funds towards Researching Marine Biodegradability
BAINBRIDGE, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Paul Pereira, CEO of the Biopolymer Company MHG, announced the company is contributing $50,000 to Dr. Jenna Jambeck’s Research Group at the University of Georgia. The funds will be used to test MHG’s PHA and compare it against other materials in a marine environment.
“We are pleased to provide Dr. Jambeck with this funding to test our product as part of her research at the University,” stated Paul Pereira. “Vinçotte is the only international organization who tests for biodegradability and compostability, which is why we have worked with them to receive our certifications. Having Dr. Jambeck test our product in all seven mediums we are certified for will provide an even stronger foundation for the usage of our PHA.”
In April of 2015, Pereira announced that his company received the first ever Vinçotte Certification for Marine Biodegradability. This verification distinguishes MHG’s truly marine biodegradable product from unverified claims by competitors with similar products.
The contribution MHG is giving to Jambeck’s Research Group comes after Dr. Jambeck and Dr. Jason Locklin, both of the University of Georgia came to MHG to tour the facility, and present their research to the Executive Team. During the visit, Dr. Jambeck and Pereira participated in an interview with NPR affiliate WFSU, where they discussed MHG’s PHA, as well as Dr. Jambeck’s work regarding marine debris and waste mismanagement. During the interview, Dr. Jambeck proposed the challenge of testing the PHA for Marine biodegradability using her own methods in her laboratory to verify that it does in fact biodegrade in that medium. Clips from the interview can be viewed here: http://www.mhgbio.com/wfsu-radio-tom-flanigan-visits-mhg/
“It was wonderful to speak with Dr. Jambeck during her visit to our Bainbridge facility. It is not our intention to allow plastic waste to be disposed of improperly, but we do hope that using our PHA can lessen the detriment when waste is mismanaged. We are excited to expand our relationship with the University of Georgia through this funding and allow the University to confirm our certifications,” remarked Pereira.
MHG currently has an exclusive arrangement with the University of Georgia, which has allowed them to expand their research and development capabilities by opening their own specialty lab on campus, and gain access to the University’s unique resources to further advance formulas to meet customer needs.
The arrangement with the University of Georgia is one of many recent endeavors. On June 2, 2015, Paul Pereira presented and participated in a panel discussion that was moderated by the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development at the General Assembly of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials in Geneva, Switzerland.
To learn more about the company, please visit the websitehttp://www.mhgbio.com. Be sure to follow the company on Facebook (MHG), Linkedin (MHG (Meredian Holdings Group)), and Twitter (@MHGbio) to stay up to date regarding latest news with the company and in the industry. The company also has a Youtube channel and Pinterest page providing great visuals of the events and progress at the facility.
About MHG:
MHG is a specialist in the customization of biopolymer formulations that combine PHA, PLA, and other biopolymers through a proprietary reactive extrusion process. Supported by a world-class group of dedicated, highly skilled team members, MHG offers a comprehensive selection of biopolymers that support the company’s core values of utilizing sustainable and renewable bioplastics to improve people’s lives at work and home. MHG and its subsidiaries currently own more than 125 patents across nearly 20 countries. MHG is headquartered in Bainbridge, Ga.
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