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

2021年，全球塑料产量为3.9亿吨，其中44%用于包装。塑料包装通过分解微塑料并释放到环境中，在其整个生命周期中造成污染。在英国，不到一半的废弃塑料被回收，其中大量最终被送往垃圾填埋场。对于具有现成替代品的一次性塑料(例如，一次性聚苯乙烯杯/盖、餐具、盘子、吸管)，英国和欧盟已经引入了塑料禁令。尽管公众强烈支持对一次性使用塑料包装实施更严格的禁令，但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品牌的引入。受自然的启发，Xanta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的材料。通过利用植物蛋白质的天然自组装能力，我们创造了一类具有显著功能特性的新型结构蛋白质材料。在目前的一次性包装制造流程中，我们的植物蛋白树脂可替代合成聚合物。我们的蛋白树脂可用于生产一系列具有高度可控性能的材料，包括用于包装应用的薄膜和涂层。到目前为止，我们已经瞄准了高价值的低容量薄膜应用，如可食用和可溶包装。然而，为了实现产量、规模化和获得价值较低、产量较高的应用，我们需要进一步开发我们的树脂生产工艺。在Innovate UK的支持下，我们将开发我们的树脂生产流程，提高效率并降低价格点，使我们能够瞄准更广泛的薄膜和涂料产品，最初目标是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的世界领先者的雄心，以应对全球塑料污染和气候危机。

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.