1. 1. Sustainability of the chosen product: How sustainable is it? How can it be improved?
2. Usefulness of the sustainability framework as a design tool: how can the framework (of your choice) help you in the design of a
new product?
Mango Materials produces biodegradable plastics from waste biogas (methane) that are
economically competitive with conventional oil-based plastics. Practically, all the liquids
we use industrially or in households are packaged in plastics and these are in the
environment for extended periods of time, unless recycled. The cost of recycling should
also be calculated in the equation, So this biodegradable plastic has an enormous
impact on the environment.
Mango Materials is a new start-up with a first-class team of engineers, scientists,
entrepreneurs and innovators. Mango Materials was incorporated in 2010 and received
their first round of funding in 2011.
IS THE MANGO MATERIALS PROCESS CLOSED LOOP?
Yes! Mango Materials uses waste methane from a wastewater treatment plant or landfill
to produce a biodegradable polymer that can be converted into a plastic good. Once
that plastic good is finished with its use, it can be sent to a wastewater treatment plant
or landfill to be degraded and turned back into methane.
WHAT TYPE OF POLYMER DOES MANGO MATERIALS PRODUCE?
Mango Materials currently produces PHB. Investigations are under way on the
production of copolymers as well as blends of PHB with a variety of other materials.
WHAT IS PHB?
PHB stands for poly-hydroxybutryate which is a biopolymer that has properties similar to
polypropylene.
WHAT TYPE OF PRODUCTS CAN BE MADE FROM PHB?
PHB can be made into a variety of products, including electronic casings, children's
toys, shampoo bottles, and packaging, just to name a few.
WHAT IS THE MANGO MATERIALS FEEDSTOCK?
Mango Materials utilizes waste methane gas that is often flared or simply released
(vented) to the atmosphere. Mango Materials uses waste methane gas that is produced
from anaerobic digestion (without oxygen) of waste at wastewater treatment plants or
waste methane gas that is produced from waste decomposition at landfills, agricultural
facilties, or other industries.
WHAT IS METHANE?
Methane is a gas that is often released from wastewater treatment plants, landfills, and
agricultural facilities. It is comprised of carbon and hydrogen. It is also considered a
greenhouse gas and is potentially 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and can
contribute to the reduction of the ozone layer.
HOW DOES MANGO MATERIALS TRANSPORT THE METHANE GAS TO ITS FACILITY?
Actually, Mango Materials can co-locate with the waste methane producer so limited
transport is necessary. By piping the Mango Materials' plant directly into the waste
methane source, transportation costs can be limited.
IN WHAT FORM WOULD THE MANGO MATERIALS PRODUCT BE?
Mango Materials produces its polymer in the form of either powder or pellets.
HOW DOES THE MANGO MATERIALS PRODUCT COMPARE WITH EXISTING PRODUCTS?
Compared to many other producers of PHB, Mango Materials uses a waste feedstock

2. (waste methane gas) and does not use genetically modified feedstocks or organisms.
Mango Materials uses a novel, environmentally friendly manufacturing process which
results in PHB that is significantly more affordable than PHB produced by competitors.
Additionally, Mango Materials can produce other types of PHB related products other
than pure PHB.
HOW QUICKLY DOES THE MANGO MATERIALS PRODUCT BIODEGRADE?
The rate of degradation depends on the environment and thickness of the material. The
Mango Materials product can break down in aerobic and anaerobic conditions and is
expected to pass all relevant ASTM and other bio-related certification tests.
WHEN CAN WE TRY SOME OF THE MANGO MATERIALS PRODUCT FOR OUR USE?
Mango Materials is currently only producing research grade materials and hopes to
have trial samples within the next year.
3. Usefulness of the sustainability framework as a design tool: how can the framework (of your
choice) help you in the design of a new product?
The product being a closed loop production, the process itself is using renewable energy.
C2C –biological nutrients
LCA- is green, avoids red level . Quantitative method to reduce pollution is all life cycle
processes
No toxic chemicals, in fact reduces PCP levels when used
Work environment is healthy and safe.
It does not use biomimicry.
It can be marketed as a green product, improves social use.
EP- used for electronic products only,
This is a sustainable product using sustainability frameworks.