Dear Truth Seekers,

By now, you know that we’re not cleaning up the ocean… but we ARE vetting novel materials (like PHA) that can help bridge the gap between single-use and reuse!

Unless you’re a polymer scientist, you probably get a little confused about the real meaning of terms like “biodegradable,” “compostable,” and “bio-based” – not to mention the more nuanced versions of these terms. Labels can be misleading and confusing, and it can feel like you can’t make the right choice without doing extensive research.

Well, 5 Gyres did the extensive research for you! Our recent report, Better Alternatives 3.0, provides greater transparency about what happens if biomaterials – like PHA film, PHB straws, bamboo forks, and 19 other items – end up in the environment.

So, what REALLY happens to your biodegradable fork?

Read the report or watch the video to find out!

5 Gyres strives to ask questions and choose study topics that are not only relevant and relatable, but ultimately provide the public, policymakers, and brands with the information they need to make better buying, sourcing, designing, and end of life decisions for their products to reduce harm.

Your support of this work allows us to continue vetting advertiser claims and being “honest brokers” of scientific data. Thank you for your belief in transparency and promoting truth in advertising!

Thank you for letting science lead,

Dr. Marcus Eriksen

Co-Founder & Scientist