Greenpeace today expressed deep concern over attempts by agrochemical company, Monsanto, to promote unwanted GM technology by saying it will genetically manipulate plants so that they can produce biodegradable plastic.
Biodegradable alternatives to oil based plastics already exist - and they are produced without the necessity to genetically manipulate plants and without the need to contaminate the environment with living, genetic pollution in the process.
Biopol, whose trademark is owned by Monsanto, has already been manufactured. It is a biodegradable, non-oil based, non-GM, PVC free plastic. Greenpeace, in conjunction with the Co-operative Bank, has used Biopol to produce environmentally friendly credit cards since 1997.
Greenpeace director, Sarah Burton, said: "If Monsanto thinks it can dupe the public with more greenwash, it is mistaken. This is not new and GM technology is not needed. Biodegradable plastic is already on the market. The agrochemical industry is in trouble and this is a desperate attempt to get GM technology through in any way it can."
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