Photos: Baking plastic from plants

Cereplast's plant doesn't use alternative sources of energy, such as solar panels. However, bioplastics manufacturing is twice as energy-efficient as that of fossil fuel plastics because the materials need half the amount of heat to be manipulated.

The sparse lobby of Cereplast's headquarters features a reception desk with a panel of recycled plastic, corrugated cardboard chairs designed by Frank Gehry, and low-toxic paints.

Photo by Elsa Wenzel/CNET News.com