Although plastics are considered a synthetic material, the atoms that make up a polymer chain mainly consist of carbon and hydrogen- the main components that also make up organic matter. The outdated concepts used for bioplastics is to alter the plastic molecule; resulting in weak atomic bonds that make plastics brittle and not functional (no one likes a chipped mani!). 

Instead of rearranging atoms, we’ve utilized biochemistry to give synthetic plastic the opportunity to biodegrade in the same mode as plant matter. The components of our nails help microorganisms produce the correct enzyme to naturally break apart atomic bonds, turning our plastic nails into their food! Once consumed by the plethora of microorganisms living in our landfills, the remnants of our nails work their way through their digestive tract and come out as loam, the organic material that makes up our soil.

This process of biodegradation naturally results in the creation of carbon dioxide and methane gases, also known as Landfill Gases (LFGs). But don’t worry, although landfills get a bad rep, modern landfills are environmentally sound anaerobic digesters that are specifically designed to collect these LFGs (by law). More good news, 85% of disposed plastic ends up in a modern landfill. 

These Energy Generation Facilities harness this biogas, renewable energy to create power! Did you know that according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the solid waste industry currently produces nearly half of America’s renewable energy?! That’s enough energy to power nearly 1.2 million homes for a year! 

The biodegradation of Loami Nails can take as little as 5 years, aligning perfectly with when modern landfill facilities collect LFGs (between year 2 and year 50), so gases from our nails won’t leak into the atmosphere.