Bioplastics Innovation Hub launched to develop fully compostable plastic
CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and Murdoch University have launched The Bioplastics Innovation Hub to develop a new generation of fully compostable plastic. The facility is based at Murdoch University’s main campus in Perth, Western Australia.
The hub is developing sustainable plastics using food waste, such as cooking oil.
The Hub aims to revolutionize plastic packaging by developing biologically derived plastic that can break down in compost, land or water. It brings together experts in microbiology, molecular genetics, synthetic biology, biochemical engineering, advanced manufacturing and circular economy.
Dr Andy Whiteley, CSIRO Research Program Director, said that the primary focus is the development of 100% compostable, bio-derived packaging for use as sprays, films, bottles, caps and wrappers which are engineered to fully break down in compost, land and in aquatic environments.
The first key focus area will be a co-investment with WA-based biotechnology company Ecopha Biotech, to develop a new process for water bottle production using compostable bioplastics derived from waste products from the food industry.
The Bioplastics Innovation Hub aligns to CSIRO's aim of reducing plastic waste entering the Australian environment by 80% by 2030. This initiative supports Australia's commitment to the United Nations Global Treaty on plastic pollution and the Australian government’s National Plastics Plan.
