Projects

There is great interest in sustainable chemistry, including the development of polymer additives from renewable bio-resources. This project aims to prepare bio-based plasticizers from CMF and evaluate their impact on materials performance when incorporated into bioderived polymers.

Plantic’s packaging is produced using a naturally high amylose starch, derived from corn. The objective of this project is to develop a better understanding of the effect of processing on the physical properties of corn-starch derived barrier films.

How can a switch from plastics to bioplastics be made socially and economically transformative? This project aims to contribute towards scholarship at the intersection of community, green innovation/entrepreneurship, and positive social change.

A viable bioplastics industry integrates innovation in bioresources, production technologies and supply chains to produce biodegradable and / or recyclable products with large scale market applications.

A significant advantage of starch-based films and thermoformed packaging is their oxygen barrier properties. This project will look at understanding the underlying physics of starch barrier films in terms of interactions with water and the transport of oxygen and water vapour.

There is booming demand for eco-materials, based on biodegradation polymers. This project considers the impact of additives and fillers on degradation rates of bioplastics with the aim of developing alternative ‘green’ fillers and additives.

This project considers the use of halophiles – organisms with high salt tolerance – allowing for bioproduction in highly saline conditions, which precludes contamination without the requirement for sterilisation.

The aims of this project are to identify early and emerging public concerns, expectations and perceptions relating to bioplastics and to unpack public trust to support the responsible development of this technology.

Bioplastics may offer environmental advantages over their fossil-based counterparts, but it depends on the specific feedstock used in their production, production location, method of production, product lifetime, and end-of-life treatment.

Assessment of the pulping and recyclability, as well as impact of material modification on biodegradability is needed to understand how compatible these new bioplastic products are with existing waste management systems, and to help shape new waste systems.