Bioplastics from waste substrates – a circular approach to a fermented biomaterial

Innovationssamarbejde (Erhvervsfyrtårnet for Biosolutions)

Bioplastics from waste substrates – a circular approach to a fermented biomaterial

Plastic is everywhere, but its environmental impact is a growing concern. To reduce reliance on petrochemical plastics, this project will produce bioplastics, specifically polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), from waste materials like fruit peels, mash, and coffee ground oil. This sustainable approach offers a promising solution to plastic pollution.

Photo: Plastic is everywhere, but its environmental impact is a problem. Now, bioplastics offer a sustainable alternative for a greener future (Photo: iStock).

Precision fermentation of PHAs from waste sources

Discarded fruit peels, beer mash, and oil from spent coffee grounds are valuable carbon sources for the bacterial fermentation of PHA, a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer.

To make PHAs competitive with conventional plastics, production costs must be reduced, especially the cost of carbon substrates, which can account for up to 50%. Using waste streams for bioplastic production offers both environmental and economic benefits by reducing waste and emissions while utilizing renewable resources.

Grounded ApS, NordInvent and Teknologisk Institut will explore how to utilize waste substrates for PHA production.

Biobased and biodegradable products

The process involves converting waste substrates into sugars and oils, which are then precision fermented into PHAs by bacteria. After fermentation, the PHAs are extracted, purified through downstream processing, and finally formulated into plastic products.