Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of biodegradable and bio-based plastics with significant potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional polymers. One of the most widely studied PHAs is poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). However, its relatively brittle nature and limited capacity to interact

Biodegradable plastics are often promoted as alternatives to conventional plastics, but their behaviour in natural environments is more complex than many people realise. A new study published in ACS ES&T Water by Centre researcher Dr Tracey Read and colleagues

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of biodegradable and bio-based plastics with significant potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional polymers. However, the relatively low toughness of many PHA materials can limit their suitability for applications that require greater flexibility and

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of biobased and biodegradable polymers that are attracting increasing interest as alternatives to conventional plastics. Produced from renewable resources and biodegradable in appropriate environments, PHAs offer significant potential for reducing the environmental impacts associated

Polyurethane (PU) is one of the most versatile classes of plastics used today. Polyurethane foams are found in everyday products such as furniture, mattresses, insulation, packaging, automotive interiors, coatings, sealants and adhesives. By adjusting their formulation, polyurethanes can be

A new international study led by researchers from the ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites has found that concern about plastics is widespread across the globe, with strong public support for action to address their environmental impacts. Published