Circular Economy
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
Definition
Polyhydroxyalkanoates are a family of polyesters synthesised naturally by bacteria as intracellular energy storage, then extracted for use as thermoplastics. Produced by fermenting sugars, plant oils or waste feedstocks, PHAs are bio-based and can biodegrade in soil, freshwater and marine conditions without industrial composting, distinguishing them from most other bioplastics.
References
Supports definition and framing.
Overview
How it is used
The term appears in bioplastics markets, materials R&D and plastic-substitution policy; certification schemes test marine and soil biodegradability claims for PHA products.
Why it matters
PHA is among the few plastic families that can biodegrade where leakage actually occurs, making it a material of strategic interest in the transition away from persistent fossil plastics.