Sustainable bioplastics from food waste
This project focuses on transforming food waste into sustainable bioplastics. This eco-innovation supports diverse industries, reduces waste, mitigates plastic pollution, and aligns with global sustainability goals.
Factsheet
- Schools involved School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences
- Institute(s) Consumer-focused Food Production
- Research unit(s) Food Process Technology and Sustainable Innovation
- Funding organisation SNSF
- Duration (planned) 01.07.2024 - 30.06.2025
- Head of project Dr. Massimo Bagnani
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Project staff
Prof. Dr. Christoph Denkel
Dr. Massimo Bagnani - Keywords side streams, bioplastics, protein, nanofibrils, biopolymers
Situation
Plastic pollution, driven by the use of single-use plastics, poses a significant environmental challenge. Industries such as packaging, cosmetics, and agriculture are among the largest contributors to this crisis, producing vast quantities of non-biodegradable materials that end up in landfills, waterways, and ecosystems. This environmental issue affects biodiversity, contributes to plastic pollution, and exacerbates climate change through the release of greenhouse gases during plastic production and disposal. Compounding this issue is the underutilization of agricultural and food industry by-products, which are often discarded as waste despite their potential value. These protein-rich streams could be repurposed into innovative materials, but current systems lack efficient, scalable solutions to tap into this resource. Industries face increasing regulatory pressure and shifting consumer demand for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives, yet they struggle to find solutions that align with economic and functional requirements. The problem extends beyond environmental impact to missed opportunities for innovation. Existing biodegradable plastics often fall short in performance or sustainability, competing with food sources or requiring intensive resource inputs. This gap underscores an urgent need for a transformative solution that not only addresses plastic pollution but also redefines waste management, creating value from materials traditionally seen as by-products.
Course of action
The solution lies in transforming agricultural and food industry by-products into high-performance, sustainable bioplastics. This innovative process leverages protein-rich waste streams to produce versatile materials for diverse applications, including packaging, agriculture, cosmetics, and consumer goods. Unlike traditional bioplastics that rely on resource-intensive inputs or compete with food sources, this solution employs protein self-assembly in a water-based, scalable process that is both environmentally friendly and economically viable. The resulting bioplastics offer unique functional properties, such as transparency, flexibility, and biodegradability, making them ideal for replacing conventional plastics. These materials are free from toxic chemicals, align with circular economy principles, and ensure compliance with stringent environmental regulations. By addressing the dual challenges of plastic pollution and waste management, the solution creates value from underutilized resources, reducing carbon footprints and supporting industries in their transition to sustainable practices. Its scalability ensures widespread adoption, driving a systemic shift towards eco-innovation and significantly contributing to global sustainability goals.
Looking ahead
The project’s outlook is centered on scaling production, expanding market reach, and driving environmental impact. Over the next five years, plans include transitioning from pilot to industrial-scale production, targeting an output of several kilotons annually to meet growing industry demand. Strategic partnerships with key players in packaging, cosmetics, and agriculture will accelerate market adoption, while ongoing collaborations will foster customized bioplastic solutions for diverse applications. The project aims to integrate advanced monitoring systems to optimize production efficiency and ensure consistent quality. A strong focus on open innovation will enable technology transfer and licensing agreements, broadening the adoption of bioplastics globally and enhancing revenue streams. By aligning with tightening regulatory frameworks and consumer preferences for eco-friendly products, the project will play a vital role in replacing conventional plastics with sustainable alternatives. Its impact extends beyond environmental benefits, contributing to the circular economy, reducing carbon footprints, and showcasing a replicable model for sustainable innovation.
