Polymerisation method development for the manufacturing of novel, high-performance, compostable and recyclable hetero-aromatic bioplastics for the packaging industry (BioPolyMet)

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An estimated 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste has been generated globally since the 1950s (Science, 2017) of which approximately 80% remains in landfill or loose in the environment. Global greenhouse gas emissions from the production and disposal of plastics is more than double that of air travel (Nature Climate Change, 2019).In line with current demand, oil-based plastics are produced at a rate of ~330mtpa. While useful, they have been developed focusing on function than end-of-life performance and their environmental impact.Recycling alone is not the complete answer to the "plastics problem". These include cost, food contamination, polymer degradation and environmental leakage. Bio-based and biodegradable plastics are an important part of the solution.This collaborative project between Biome Technologies plc and Nottingham University's Chemical Engineering Department will accelerate manufacturing process development optimisation and scale-up of three novel bioplastics from Biome's current research in partnership with existing commercial customers.The project's outcome will enable the commercial deployment of a new range of sustainable and biodegradable materials within 2 years of launch, reducing landfill and the environmental burden of plastics whilst increasing productivity and growth for the wider UK (bio)economy.