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Project title

Sustainable, biodegradable, compostable and recyclable plastics for packaging and end-of- life-management

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Ramesh Babu Padamati

Project Abstract

We will develop biodegradable polymer composites that are suitable for packaging applications, which are completely recyclable, compostable and biodegradable. Currently fossil based plastics such as LDPE and PET are widely used as packaging materials. End-of-life of such products has a profound adverse impact on the environment (6 Kg of CO2 per Kg of plastic burnt) and land fill implications (>100's of years life, methane emissions). The development, optimisation and citizen uptake of biodegradable polymer composites that are recyclable and compostable will drastically reduce negative environmental impacts. BioPost will focus on using commercially available ad novel biodegradable polymers and develop composites and polymer blends, to ensure the full functionality of packaging films and environmental sustainability. We will produce prototype packaging films on pilot scale and evaluate biodegradability ( Industrial composting and Anaerobic digestion) and recyclability of these materials under standard industrial conditions. The output of this project will be biodegradable polymers and blends for packaging applications for industrial composting. Composites suitable for packaging will be produced and optimised on 100kg (TRL 5) scale to produce prototype-packaging films for understanding end-of-life options. We will evaluate the recyclability of biodegradable polymer composites and study the compostability of virgin and recycled biodegradable composites for industry. Composting certification of new packaging materials will be important to de-risk commercialisation opportunities. Composting trials will be completed. Cr� will provide industrial composting testing on demonstrator products produced. BioPost will inform the design of end-of-life options (composting/recycling) and impact EPA policy around biodegradable polymer based products. A white paper will be produced on the compostability and recyclability of commercial biodegradable polymers/blends. Te white paper will be developed via stake-holder workshops for policy makers. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, stake-holders workshops, public engagement, newsletters and through BEACON/AMBER EPE teams to wide audiences. We target four reviewed publications in high impact and open access journals. Lead applicants Babu and O'Connor are tech transfer literate, both having patented, licensed to industry, and founded companies. BioPost will lead to new IP creation to be managed via the TCD and UCD TTOs.

Grant Approved

�497,783.77

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

Resource efficiency

Start Date

31/03/2020

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/03/2023