Report finds Maine potatoes could support bio-plastics industry

    ORONO, Maine – Maine potatoes are an economically viable source for new production of bio-based plastics within the state concludes a report released June 5.
The report, “Potatoes to Plastics,” is based upon research by the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center with substantial contributions from Maine’s potato and bio-plastics industries, the University of Maine, the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine, and Green Harvest Technologies. The report was officially released at the Buchanan Alumni House on the campus of the University of Maine.
    Bio-based plastics are made of starch from plants instead of crude oil. They can replace most petrochemical plastics used to make bottles, packaging, fabric and many other items. Corn-based plastics from the Midwest are in use throughout the country, and potato plastics called “spudware” are being produced in the United Kingdom.
“These results are very promising,” said Wendy Porter, director of environmental management at InterfaceFABRIC, “indicating there is sufficient existing acreage to support a bio-refinery sufficient to meet the project needs of Maine’s businesses, and that the feedstock could be delivered to the facility in a cost effective manner.”
InterfaceFABRIC is a manufacturer of fabrics for commercial interiors with three manufacturing plants in Maine. The company currently uses corn-based plastics from the Midwest and is interested in sourcing plastics from Maine potatoes. In November 2006, the Maine Technology Institute awarded a seed grant to InterfaceFABRIC to evaluate the feasibility of using potatoes from Maine for the production of polylactic acid plastic (PLA).
“Potato plastics are a perfect example of what a positive, productive future for Maine can include,” said Mike Belliveau, executive director of the Environmental Health Strategy Center and a representative for the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine. “We can stimulate economic development, utilize green chemistry and protect public health by creating jobs making non-toxic plastic from potatoes.”
As part of the study, the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center reviewed data including:
• the amount of acres currently harvested for potato production,
• the average harvest yield of potatoes,
• the average price paid to growers for potatoes,
• the costs associated with collecting, transporting, and pre-processing waste potatoes for production of starch in preparation for PLA production,
• the availability of potato starch to meet the needs of InterfaceFABRIC, and
• the comparison of current varieties of potatoes with those bred to use less fertilizer and fungicide.
The analysis of this data indicated that it is economically feasible for Maine potato growers to plant and harvest potatoes specifically for the manufacture of PLA using potato varieties that are currently grown. The planting, harvesting, and pre-processing of these potatoes would be no different than what the growers are currently doing. The report also concludes that the potato farmers would receive a price comparable to that currently being paid for table stock potatoes.
“One interesting finding from our research is that we don’t need to take potatoes away from use as food in order to meet the needs for bio-plastic production,” said report co-author Kate Dickerson of the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center. “The amount of PLA needed by InterfaceFABRIC could likely be supplied by waste potatoes that are below food grade.”
“With little to no startup costs, Maine potato growers could provide potatoes for bio-plastic production,” said Don Flannery, executive director of the Maine Potato Board. “This is great news for Maine’s farmers and for the people of Aroostook County who would benefit from the emergence of this new industry.”
The next steps toward realizing the potential of new potato plastic production in Maine are to conduct research to determine the location and technical specifications for a potato-based plastic production facility in Maine, to examine the potential contribution of waste potatoes and processed starch to support a production facility, and to examine the potential for new, more cost effective and environmentally sustainable potato varieties which can be grown specifically for the PLA market.
“This project is a great example of how MTI funds can help traditional industries in Maine use innovation to remain competitive, look to expand, and have a broader impact on the Maine economy,” said Elizabeth Crabtree, MTI seed grant program manager.
InterfaceFABRIC is not the only company interested in using Maine potatoes for plastic production. Several other companies including Tom’s of Maine, Sagoma Technologies, and Correct Building Products have also been involved in this project to assess the feasibility of using potato-based plastic from Maine.
“We’re extremely interested in the possibilities this technology would support and believe bio-based plastics have a strong future in our industry,” said Tom and Kate Chappell, co-founders of Tom’s of Maine. “The development of bio-based plastics from Maine potatoes is technology that can support the local economy and place Maine at the forefront of an important movement to invest in renewable resources.”
For more information and a copy of the report, contact Amanda Sears, associate director, Environmental Health Strategy Center at (207) 939-7333 or asears@preventharm.org.