Bioplastics are becoming a burgeoning industry as the cost of oil climbs and the disastrous nature of petroleum-based plastics is revealed in full effect. This past Monday Metabolix announced an incredible development: they have found a way to generate “significant amounts” of ecologically-sound bioplastic by growing it directly in switchgrass. The fast-growing perennial plant is paving the way for a sustainable source of Mirel, the company’s biodegradable brand of bioplastic.

Mirel will also biodegrade in a wide range of environments including soil, home compost, industrial compost, and both fresh and salt water. Mirel’s biodegradability may, in fact, help to reduce the persistent plastic waste that litters our landscape and threatens marine environments.

via Inhabitat | via Mirel