Mango Materials’ Post

Although efforts to improve the collection and recycling of plastics to achieve a circular economy are increasing significantly, some (synthetic) materials will eventually always end up in the environment due to e.g. littering, weathering and abrasion. In the project ULTRADREAM (funded by TKI-AF), which started in the summer of 2023, Wageningen University & Research is supporting the development of the circular economy by using agricultural side streams and residues for developing novel modified bio-based, renewable polymers, with inherent biodegradation capabilities at their end-of-life. https://lnkd.in/ecNmdPT6 #plastics #renewable #biobased #recycling #circular

🔍 Interesting read: https://lnkd.in/eU3ciQ5b Researchers found that certain types of biodegradable plastics can be decomposed by microbes on the deep-sea floor, at depths ranging from 757 to 5552 meters. The study focused on various biodegradable materials, including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), biodegradable polyesters, and polysaccharide esters. While poly(L-lactic acid) did not degrade, other materials showed signs of decomposition, although the process was slower at greater depths. Microbial communities associated with the plastics were analyzed, revealing the presence of dominant microorganisms with genes for potential plastic-degrading enzymes (such as PHA depolymerases). The study concludes that biodegradable plastic materials can undergo microbial degradation on the deep-sea floor, albeit less efficiently than in coastal environments. #BiodegradableMaterials #NatureStudy #MicrobialDegradation #PlasticPollution #SustainableMaterials

IN THE NEWS A research team that had previously succeeded in synthesizing fumaric acid using bicarbonate and pyruvic acid, and carbon dioxide collected directly from the gas phase as one of the raw materials, has now created a new photosensitizer and developed a new artificial photosynthesis technology, effectively doubling the yield of fumaric acid production compared to the previous method. The results of this research are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and provide an innovative way to produce biodegradable plastics while reusing waste resources. Read more here: #ArtificialPhotosynthesis #CarbonReduction #InnovationInChemistry #SustainableTechnology #BiodegradablePlastics #WasteResourceUtilization #CarbonEmissionsReduction #GreenChemistry #RenewableResources #ResearchBreakthrough #SustainableFuture #ChemicalInnovation #CarbonCapture #EnvironmentalTech #GreenResearch #RenewableChemistry #CarbonReuse #SustainableProduction #ClimateAction

This NENU2PHAR project is a great step forward for bioplastics. The innovative value chain process uses microalgae, which can be produced in abundance using nutrients from waste streams and no arable land requirements. I believe it is an important example of advancing the adoption of bioplastics and a circular economy. As we solve the single use plastic challenge, all these developments add to the repository of new to world solutions that can get us there but also make me wonder how will we enable end to end circularity a key piece to solving the single use plastic reduction challenge. Very interesting this tech is taking a full spectrum view of the value chain. Making to Circularity. Exciting. #circulareconomy #sustainablepackaging #bioplastic

“We’re just starting to understand the implications of microplastics. We’ve only scratched the surface of knowing the environmental and health impacts, we’re trying to find replacements for materials that already exist, and make sure these replacements will biodegrade at the end of their useful life instead of collecting in the environment. That’s not easy.” New research from UC San Diego and Algenesis Materials reveals a breakthrough in eco-friendly plastics. Their plant-based polymers biodegrade at the microplastic level in under seven months, offering a promising solution to the environmental and health impacts of traditional plastics. #Microplastics #Biodegradable #EcoFriendly #SustainableFutures https://lnkd.in/ezcJQiN3

Bad science hits the headlines again, with another pointless study. This week Daily Mail News publishes a completely taken out of context article based on a study carried out by The 5 Gyres Institute. Let's clear up a few things from the article: Article says: 'Bottles and cutlery made from 'bioplastics' are supposed to be #biodegradable'. Science says: This is not true. #Biobased materials are fully or partially made from biological resources, rather than fossil based raw materials. They are not necessarily #biodegradable or #compostable. Article says: Bioplastics are biodegradable but only under the correct circumstances. Science says: This is true. Biodegradable materials biodegrade in certain conditions at their end of life - usually via #industrial #composting. Article says: Left lying in the dirt or bobbing in the ocean, only some bioplastics broke down. Science says: True. Depending on the material, and the conditions required for their degradation, if these conditions are not met, then they will not degrade. Now on to the study, results, where researchers deposited 17 different bioplastics at 6 sites in California, Maine, and Florida - one on land and one at sea in each state. Mesh bags held the objects in place, while still exposing them to the elements. Land-based items were buried, and sea items were dangled into the water. Researchers retrieved the items at fixed periods to track how much they had broken down: 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 16 weeks, 32 weeks, and 64 weeks. The study found that about 78 out of 102 bioplastic items remained intact. The study is totally correct, but is also pointless. These #bioplastics will only fully degrade when subjected to the right conditions, which for these bioplastics is most likely to be via industrial composting - not being buried in soil or floating in water. For clarification, #compostable plastics used in consumer applications should not be labelled solely as biodegradable. Whilst they are indeed biodegradable, biodegradability per se is an abstract and meaningless concept, unless it has a time and place within which biodegradability takes place. To better define biodegradability we should talk about compostability, i.e. within a space, time and industrial process. For packaging, the UK & European standard BS EN13432 defines this time, space, output, and toxicity. The UK adopted this standard in 2000.  https://lnkd.in/enmJHHKE David Robert Newman FCIWM

BIOPLASTICS 101 🔆 Biobased - Biodegradable - Compostable 🔆 There needs to be more clarity regarding the different types of plastics. The term “bioplastics” is often used as an umbrella term for very different materials, and the terms “biobased,” “biodegradable,” and “compostable” can be misleading. ✔ Biobased: Biobased plastics are made entirely or partially from biological resources instead of fossil raw materials. However, it’s crucial to understand that being biobased does not automatically imply biodegradability or compostability. It simply refers to the source of the raw materials used in its production. ✔ Biodegradable: Biodegradable plastics can be broken down or decompose under specific conditions at their end-of-life. This decomposition occurs under specific environmental conditions, which can vary depending on the type of biodegradable plastic. It's important to note that biodegradable plastics can be made from renewable biological resources or traditional fossil-based resources. ✔ Compostable: Compostable plastics, a type of biodegradable plastic, typically break down into natural, non-toxic components in composting facilities under specific conditions, including a combination of heat, moisture, and microbial activity. Therefore, they first need to be collected. For more: www.crassolutions.com #bioplastics #biobased #biodegradable #compostable

According to this article, microplastics can take anywhere between 100 to 1000 years to break down 😦. That's a lifetime of accumulation inside our bodies. What if we could reduce that to < 7 months? Research on algae-based polymers shows that's a reality. Now, how do we manufacture these biodegradable alternatives? #sustainability #plasticpollution

IN THE NEWS A research team that had previously succeeded in synthesizing fumaric acid using bicarbonate and pyruvic acid, and carbon dioxide collected directly from the gas phase as one of the raw materials, has now created a new photosensitizer and developed a new artificial photosynthesis technology, effectively doubling the yield of fumaric acid production compared to the previous method. The results of this research are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and provide an innovative way to produce biodegradable plastics while reusing waste resources. Read more here: #ArtificialPhotosynthesis #CarbonReduction #InnovationInChemistry #SustainableTechnology #BiodegradablePlastics #WasteResourceUtilization #CarbonEmissionsReduction #GreenChemistry #RenewableResources #ResearchBreakthrough #SustainableFuture #ChemicalInnovation #CarbonCapture #EnvironmentalTech #GreenResearch #RenewableChemistry #CarbonReuse #SustainableProduction #ClimateAction

Happy June 1st! Today, I’m excited to discuss the development of biodegradable plastics, or bioplastics, using biotechnology. As the world grapples with the environmental impact of conventional plastics, bioplastics offer a sustainable alternative that can significantly reduce pollution and enhance waste management practices. Here are some recent advancements and key developments: Microbial Production of Bioplastics: Researchers are leveraging biotechnology to engineer microbes that can produce bioplastics from renewable resources. For example, scientists have developed bacterial strains capable of converting agricultural waste into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a type of biodegradable plastic. https://lnkd.in/dmHEDMk6 Plant-Based Bioplastics: Innovations in plant biotechnology are enabling the production of bioplastics from plant materials. Recently, researchers have engineered plants to produce poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a widely used biodegradable plastic, directly within their biomass. This development could streamline the production process and make bioplastics more economically viable. https://lnkd.in/dAZRjTrR Marine Biodegradable Plastics: Addressing marine pollution is critical, and biotechnology is playing a role in creating bioplastics that degrade in marine environments. A study highlighted the development of bioplastics from algae that break down in seawater, reducing the impact of plastic waste on marine life. https://lnkd.in/dCdikDkP Biodegradable Packaging Solutions: The packaging industry is rapidly adopting bioplastics to replace traditional plastics. Recent advancements have led to the creation of durable and flexible bioplastic films for food packaging, which decompose naturally without leaving harmful residues. https://lnkd.in/d5tuMy84 These developments in bioplastics showcase the power of biotechnology to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and creating materials that safely return to nature, bioplastics are paving the way for a greener future. #Bioplastics #Biotechnology #Sustainability #EnvironmentalImpact #Innovation