Optimization of Conversion of Food Waste into Biodegradable and Compostable Grade Plastic Resign Material Process for Large Scale Production

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Genecis Bioindustries is a biotechnology company that converts food waste into PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) biodegradable plastics and other high value materials. Since 2017, they have rapidly scaled operations from the laboratory bench-scale at University of Toronto to operating out of a 4,000 sq/ft functional pilot facility in Scarborough, Ontario. Recently, Genecis has completed an industrial-scale 1000 L fermentation validation at the National Research Council in Montreal, filed 2 patents, and established an in-house materials testing laboratory. Genecis has also completed food waste to PHA conversion technology, which involves using mixed organic feedstock with Genecis proprietary bacteria. This is significant as there is not commercialized technology in the world that can currently produce PHAs from non-union sugar sources like organic waste. This collaborative project with Lambton College will focus on the adjustment of %HV and its effect on material properties and processability. To achieve the overall goal of the project, a series of physical, mechanical, rheological, and chemical analyses to characterize the different grades of PHBVs (poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) will be conducted, as well as multiple experiments to fine-tune the created higher %HV PHBVs and polymer manufacturing trials for PHBV composite product applications. The success of this project will result in the creation of a patentable new biodegradable and fully compostable grade of plastic resign material for large scale production. The resulting manufacturing findings are expected to be scaled-up by mid-2023, with a post-commercialization annual rate of return scale projected at $4 million CAD. With increased level of production, Genecis plans on constructing a manufacturing facility that is estimated to create up to 35 new full-time positions.