Materials and technologies – October 2024

Innovative bioplastics for packaging materials
Two projects are transforming agricultural waste into bioplastics for packaging. The startup HUID is developing packaging from onion skins. Supported by the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Advanced Materials Research Laboratory, HUID has created prototypes with strength and antimicrobial properties comparable to fossil-based plastics, and aims for a product launch by mid-2025. AIMPLAS is participating in the POLYMEER project. The project aims to create a sustainable value chain for bioplastics by converting brewers’ spent grain (BSG) into films, packaging and textiles. Funded by the Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking and coordinated by the University of Perugia, the two-year project will optimise the conversion process, ensuring scalability, sustainability, and market readiness.

Antibacterial food and pharmaceutical packaging
Researchers at Chalmers University have developed a method to use graphene's antibacterial properties in healthcare, creating an ultra-thin surface that kills 99.99% of bacteria. The technique shows promise for medical devices and durable, water-resistant packaging. The study (7.07 MB) is published in Advanced Functional Materials.
NTU Singapore scientists have found a method to produce a biodegradable food wrap made from discarded avocado, jackfruit, and durian seeds. This wrap changes colour to indicate food spoilage and has antibacterial properties, potentially reducing food waste and improving food safety and freshness monitoring.

New methods enhance production and durability of plastics
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new method to activate alkanes, a vital building block for the production of plastics. Traditional methods struggled with alkane conversion due to their extreme reactivity and poor selectivity. This new technique enables precise arrangement of atoms, making higher amounts of the desired products. The study (abstract) is published in Science.
Ohio State University scientists have established a method to permanently bond chemical additives to PVC using electricity, making PVC resistant to degradation. This reduces the release of microplastics and extends PVC's lifespan. The study (abstract) is published in Chem.
The BIOFAST project coordinated by AIMPLAS has been successfully concluded and demonstrates effective time reduction of biodegradation tests on bioplastics. Speeding up these tests for compostable bioplastics reduces operation costs and enhances efficiency in treating the waste.

Challenges and innovations in plastic recycling
A Smithers whitepaper explores the challenges of using recycled plastics in various applications, emphasising the need for process trials and comparative testing to ensure material consistency and performance. You can download the whitepaper after filling in your details.
Assistant professor Ina Vollmer of Utrecht University has received an ERC Starting Grant for her five-year project on sustainable plastic recycling. Her research focuses on using force, rather than heat, to break plastics down into monomers, enabling higher-quality building blocks for new plastics.
 

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