BIO ON uses the species Cupriavidus necator.
This bacterium was chosen for its efficiency, safety (non-pathogenic and classified in biosafety group 1 according to US health service guidelines), and its versatility in utilizing a wide range of substrates. In nature, there are many bacterial species that naturally produce PHA, none of which are pathogenic to humans.

The bacteria are part of a biological cycle from cradle to cradle. From nature to nature. Bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator, synthesize PHA from organic substrates. This process occurs naturally as an energy reserve mechanism in bacteria under nutritional stress. Once PHA is produced, the bacteria find new uses as fertilizers in other ecosystems or become a carbon source for other living organisms.

After their use, PHA products, when biodegraded, release the absorbed carbon in the form of CO₂ and methane in aerobic and anaerobic environments, respectively. These gases can subsequently be reused by microorganisms for new growth cycles, or CO₂ can be reabsorbed by plants, perpetuating the carbon cycle through photosynthesis. Furthermore, the released methane can be captured and used as a renewable energy source, contributing to further reductions in carbon footprint.

The ecosystem of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) finds various answers through the use of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in industrial and commercial applications. PHA is a biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymer that can be produced from renewable sources, representing a sustainable solution across various sectors. Below, we examine some relevant SDGs and how the use of PHA contributes to their achievement:

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Thanks to its biodegradability, the use of PHA allows for waste reduction: PHA is biodegradable, thereby reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste.
Circular economy: PHA can be produced from agricultural waste and organic refuse, promoting recycling and waste reduction.

SDG 13: Climate Action
Use of PHA:
Reduction of CO₂ emissions: PHA production can be carbon-neutral if sourced from renewables, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Alternatives to fossil fuels: PHA replaces traditional plastics derived from petroleum, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

SDG 14: Life Below Water
Use of PHA:
Prevention of marine pollution: Being biodegradable, PHA does not contribute to the accumulation of microplastics in oceans, protecting marine wildlife.

SDG 15: Life on Land
Use of PHA:
Ecosystem protection: The biodegradability of PHA reduces soil and freshwater pollution, safeguarding terrestrial biodiversity.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Use of PHA:
Sustainable innovation: Research and development in biopolymers like PHA stimulates technological innovation and promotes sustainable infrastructure.
Green economic growth: The production and use of PHA support the creation of new jobs in the biotechnology and green economy sectors.

PHAs have characteristics very similar to conventional plastics. Various types of PHA, such as PHBH and PHB, can be combined to obtain powders for specific applications that require particular durability, flexibility, and different thermal and mechanical properties. PHA is used to create granules intended for injection molding applications in rigid packaging and semi-durable goods. For the same biocompatibility (compared to starch and cellulose), PHA is perfectly suited to be processed using the same tools employed for transforming conventional plastics. However, compared to conventional plastics, the cost of PHA is higher.