Major corporations push PET from plants

Five industry powerhouses joined forces in June to speed research and development of PET plastics made entirely of plant-based materials, according to an article in IndustryWeek.com. Ford, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, H.J. Heinz Co. and Nike Inc. use plastics in products ranging from automotive fabric to footwear to plastic bottles. The goal of the strategic working group is to “evolve today’s material that is partially made from plants to a solution made entirely from plants.”

The companies also want development of common methodologies and standards for plant-based plastic, including lifecycle analyses and universal terminology. Petroleum chemicals form many plastics found in manufactured products, and a 100-percent plant-based renewable source can reduce energy costs and dependence on foreign oil supplies.