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

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产生污染，通过分解和释放微塑料到环境中。在英国，不到一半的废弃塑料被回收利用，大量塑料最终被填埋。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），塑料禁令已经在英国和欧盟推出。尽管公众强烈支持对一次性塑料包装实施更严格的禁令，但缺乏高性能和可扩展的替代品，这些替代品可以在环境中安全地生物降解，这阻碍了更广泛的禁令的实施。受大自然的启发，Xampla开发了一种从植物蛋白质中生产的下一代生物基和可生物降解材料。通过利用植物蛋白质自组装的天然能力，我们创造了一类具有显着功能特性的新型结构蛋白质材料。我们的植物蛋白树脂可作为当前一次性包装制造工艺中合成聚合物的直接替代品。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低容量薄膜应用，如可食用和可溶性包装。然而，为了达到产量、规模和获得低价值、高产量的应用，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工艺，提高效率并降低价格，使我们能够针对更广泛的薄膜和涂料产品，最初针对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导者，解决全球塑料污染和气候危机的雄心。

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.