what is pha?

The material shaping the future of sustainable design.

what is pha?

The material shaping the future of sustainable design.

Button.png

A Natural Material

PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) is a naturally occurring polymer created through fermentation, not fossil fuels.
It breaks down in marine, soil and compost environments without leaving microplastics.

  • • Derived from natural fermentation
    • Fully biodegradable across real-world        conditions
    • No toxins, no microplastics

Button.png

Better for the Planet

Certified to biodegrade within months, PHA is a next-generation answer to conventional plastics and greenwashed ‘compostables’ that rely on industrial facilities. PHA breaks down safely in all environments.

  • • Certified AS5810
    • Breaks down in 3–6 months
    • No industrial composting required

Button.png

Designed for Daily Life

PHA performs like traditional plastics but feels better in use, smoother, stronger, premium.
Perfect for cups, lids, straws, cutlery and early-stage fashion applications. Its versatility makes PHA ideal for everyday products.

  • • Heat-resistant and food-safe
    • Smooth, premium feel
    • Suitable for packaging & emerging textiles

Button.png

A Natural Material

PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) is a naturally occurring polymer created through fermentation, not fossil fuels.
It breaks down in marine, soil and compost environments without leaving microplastics.

  • • Derived from natural fermentation
    • Fully biodegradable across real-world        conditions
    • No toxins, no microplastics

Button.png

Better for the Planet

Certified to biodegrade within months, PHA is a next-generation answer to conventional plastics and greenwashed ‘compostables’ that rely on industrial facilities. PHA breaks down safely in all environments.

  • • Certified AS5810
    • Breaks down in 3–6 months
    • No industrial composting required

Button.png

Designed for Daily Life

PHA performs like traditional plastics but feels better in use, smoother, stronger, premium.
Perfect for cups, lids, straws, cutlery and early-stage fashion applications. Its versatility makes PHA ideal for everyday products.

  • • Heat-resistant and food-safe
    • Smooth, premium feel
    • Suitable for packaging & emerging textiles

Lid on Blue 2.png
What is PHA?

PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) is a natural biopolymer made through fermentation.
What makes it unique is how it behaves at the end of its life: it’s recognised and broken down by microbes in the environment, the same way they break down natural organic matter.

In simple terms:
PHA is a material that nature already knows how to digest, returning safely to the earth without leaving microplastics behind.

How is PHA different from other compostable materials?

Most compostable products use PLA or water-based liners that only break down in industrial composting facilities, the kind that many regions don’t have. As a result, they often end up behaving like conventional plastic in landfill.

PHA is different: it’s recognised by microbes in natural environments, so it breaks down on its own without industrial processing or controlled conditions.

Is PHA safe for people and the planet?

Yes. PHA is naturally occurring, non-toxic and certified food-safe. It doesn’t release harmful chemicals as it breaks down, it simply returns to water and carbon dioxide, leaving nothing behind.

How long does it take for PHA to break down?

Certified PHA products can break down naturally in around 3–6 months, depending on the environment. Microbes recognise PHA as food, so it’s fully digested without leaving microplastics or residue behind.

Is PHA recyclable?

Traditional coffee cups such as PLA or Aqueous, can’t be recycled through normal kerbside systems. Even specialised programs often downcycle them or send them to landfill.

PHA is different. It’s designed to biodegrade safely if it ends up in the wrong place, breaking down naturally without microplastics.

How can my business make the switch?

Start by choosing from our ready-to-order PHA designs or collaborating with us on custom branding. We’ll help you select the right products, organise samples, and deliver directly to your business.

For ongoing orders, contracted pricing makes the transition even easier and more cost-effective.

To begin, reach out via our Contact Us page or submit a Request a Catalogue form.

Lid on Blue 2.png
What is PHA?

PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) is a natural biopolymer made through fermentation.
What makes it unique is how it behaves at the end of its life: it’s recognised and broken down by microbes in the environment, the same way they break down natural organic matter.

In simple terms:
PHA is a material that nature already knows how to digest, returning safely to the earth without leaving microplastics behind.

How is PHA different from other compostable materials?

Most compostable products use PLA or water-based liners that only break down in industrial composting facilities, the kind that many regions don’t have. As a result, they often end up behaving like conventional plastic in landfill.

PHA is different: it’s recognised by microbes in natural environments, so it breaks down on its own without industrial processing or controlled conditions.

Is PHA safe for people and the planet?

Yes. PHA is naturally occurring, non-toxic and certified food-safe. It doesn’t release harmful chemicals as it breaks down, it simply returns to water and carbon dioxide, leaving nothing behind.

How long does it take for PHA to break down?

Certified PHA products can break down naturally in around 3–6 months, depending on the environment. Microbes recognise PHA as food, so it’s fully digested without leaving microplastics or residue behind.

Is PHA recyclable?

Traditional coffee cups such as PLA or Aqueous, can’t be recycled through normal kerbside systems. Even specialised programs often downcycle them or send them to landfill.

PHA is different. It’s designed to biodegrade safely if it ends up in the wrong place, breaking down naturally without microplastics.

How can my business make the switch?

Start by choosing from our ready-to-order PHA designs or collaborating with us on custom branding. We’ll help you select the right products, organise samples, and deliver directly to your business.

For ongoing orders, contracted pricing makes the transition even easier and more cost-effective.

To begin, reach out via our Contact Us page or submit a Request a Catalogue form.

Let's Work Together

Partner with Terra Sol Studio for custom designs, creative collaborations and future-forward material innovation.

Contact Us

Let's Work Together

Partner with Terra Sol Studio for custom designs, creative collaborations and future-forward material innovation.

Contact Us

Terra Sol™ is a registered trademark owned and operated by Terra Sol Studio Pty Ltd.