Redeveloping Xampla’s plant-based and biodegradable resin (TRL4-6) to access low cost, high-volume plastic film markets

重新开发 Xampla 的植物基可生物降解树脂 (TRL4-6)，以进入低成本、大批量的塑料薄膜市场

• 批准号: 10062008
• 金额: $ 44.44万
• 依托单位: XAMPLA LTD
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Collaborative R&D
• 财政年份: 2023
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2023 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=10062008
• 关键词: Redeveloping; Xampla; plant; based; biodegradable

In 2021, 390 million tonnes of plastic was produced worldwide, of this 44% is used for packaging. Plastic packaging pollutes throughout its lifecycle, by breaking down and releasing microplastics into the environment. Under half of disposed plastic is recycled in the UK, with large amounts ending up in landfill. For single-use plastics with readily available alternatives (e.g., disposable polystyrene cups/lids, cutlery, plates, straws), plastics bans have already been introduced in the UK and the EU. Despite strong public support for more stringent bans on single-use plastic packaging, the lack of high performing and scalable replacements which biodegrade safely within the environment hinders the introduction of wider bans.Inspired by nature, Xampla has developed a next-generation bio-based and biodegradable material produced from plant proteins. By harnessing the natural ability of plant proteins to self-assemble, we have created a new class of structured protein materials with remarkable functional properties. Our plant protein resin acts as a drop-in replacement for synthetic polymers in current single-use packaging manufacturing processes.Our protein resin can be used to produce a range of materials with highly controlled properties, including films and coatings for packaging applications. To date, we have targeted high value low volume film applications, such as edible and soluble packaging. However, for us to reach volume, scale and access lower value, higher volume applications we need to further develop our resin production process. With Innovate UK support, we will develop our resin production process, improving efficiency and reducing price point, allow us to target a wider range of film and coating products, initially targeting the FMCG and food markets. The project outputs will support the UK's ambition to become a world leader in sustainable packaging, addressing global plastic pollution and the climate crises.

2021年，全球生产了3.9亿吨塑料，其中44%用于包装。塑料包装在其整个生命周期中都会造成污染，因为它会分解并将微塑料释放到环境中。在英国，不到一半的废弃塑料被回收利用，其中大量最终被填埋。对于有现成替代品的一次性塑料（如一次性聚苯乙烯杯/盖、餐具、盘子、吸管），英国和欧盟已经出台了塑料禁令。尽管公众强烈支持更严格地禁止一次性塑料包装，但由于缺乏在环境中安全生物降解的高性能和可扩展的替代品，阻碍了更广泛的禁令的实施。受大自然的启发，Xampla开发了一种由植物蛋白生产的下一代生物基和可生物降解材料。通过利用植物蛋白的自然自组装能力，我们创造了一类具有显著功能特性的新型结构蛋白材料。我们的植物蛋白树脂在目前的一次性包装制造工艺中可替代合成聚合物。我们的蛋白质树脂可用于生产一系列具有高度控制性能的材料，包括用于包装应用的薄膜和涂料。到目前为止，我们的目标是高价值的小体积薄膜应用，如可食用和可溶性包装。然而，为了达到批量、规模化和获得低价值、大批量的应用，我们需要进一步发展我们的树脂生产工艺。在Innovate UK的支持下，我们将开发树脂生产工艺，提高效率并降低价格，使我们能够瞄准更广泛的薄膜和涂层产品，最初瞄准快速消费品和食品市场。该项目的产出将支持英国成为可持续包装领域世界领导者的雄心，解决全球塑料污染和气候危机。