When can a plastic be considered biodegradable?

Recruiting now!

Applicants with skills/experience in chemical or environmental engineering, bioprocessing or biotechnology are encouraged to apply

Academic Lead: Associate Professor Paul Jensen and  Professor William Clarke

School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland

The aim of this project is to evaluate the criteria and methods for assessing whether a plastic is biodegradable. In particular, the project will examine how the biodegradability of a product with unknown composition or with unknown biodegradation properties will be determined.

The study will evaluate the evidence needed to conclude a plastic is fully biodegradable. This project is developed in partnership with Kimberly-Clark to advance the technology to continue to reduce our environmental footprint and create more sustainable products