SwRI develops biodegradable cell phone cases, pilot plant for Spirit Lake Tribe

San Antonio -- May 9, 2005 -- Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), in collaboration with a commercial technology firm and NASA Glenn Research Center, will help build a pilot plant to produce conductive biodegradable plastic pellets for the electronics industry. The work is under way for the Golden Eagle Wireless U.S.A. company, formed by the Spirit Lake Indian Tribe Reservation of Fort Totten, North Dakota.

The company intends to manufacture biodegradable plastic cell phone cases to replace current cell phone cases. The new cases will degrade in landfills and help to reduce plastic pollution.

The remanufactured phones will also incorporate E-911 location finding and innovative electromagnetic interference shielding capabilities.

"SwRI is providing design, chemical and electronic expertise on coating technologies for this project," said Dr. C.-K. Tan, group leader and project manager in SwRI's Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division. "The Institute will also provide training for the pilot plant, which will be initially located here at SwRI."

Members of the Spirit Lake Indian Tribe Reservation visited SwRI on March 24. Carl Walking Eagle, Crow Hill District Representative, said, "We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with SwRI for economic development and job creation on the Spirit Lake Reservation. This project fits with Spirit Lake Tribe's overall goal of diversifying into new businesses, resulting in new and better paying jobs for tribal members."

The reservation has a 59 percent unemployment rate. The formation of Golden Eagle Wireless U.S.A. creates jobs along with helping preserve the environment. The Spirit Lake Indian Tribe Reservation was established in 1867 and is located in east central North Dakota.

For more information, contact Tracey M.S. Whelan, Communications Department, (210) 522-2256, Southwest Research Institute, PO Drawer 28510, San Antonio, TX 78228-0510.

SwRI News SwRI Home