The Motley Fool investment Web site is giving Metabolix Inc. some unwanted attention today, with contributor Rich Duprey featuring the company on a list of "5 Deathbed Stocks."

The item starts: "It's a story stock that appeals to many investors' green sensibilities, but with a resin that's more expensive than traditional plastic, and construction delays at its manufacturing facility, analysts aren't expecting it to turn out anything until at least next year."

Still, it's not all bad news. Duprey notes that Metabolix has disappointed short sellers before, and adds:

"With Metabolix's losses narrower than analyst expectations last quarter, this could be one of those stories that has a happy ending. The question is, though, how many people will be willing to pay more for its Mirel biodegradable plastic, which is being marketed as a "feel good" product?"

Interesting question. Some of the readers of this blog will likely be the potential customers who will make or break Metabolix. What do you think?