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Project title

The upcycling of post consumer polyethylene to a biodegradable plastic: Waste to value added product

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

Kevin O Connor

Project Abstract

The project is a cross disciplinary approach to converting post consumer waste (polyethylene (PE)) into value added eco-friendly material. PE which makes up the largest proportion of plastic waste worldwide will be pyrolysed to generate two products; an oil (80%) (fuel source) and a wax (~20%) (by product). This project will investigate the ability of known polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) accumulating bacteria in our lab to convert the wax by product to the biodegradable plastic (PHA). We will optimise the bioprocess, model it for scale up, and characterise and process the biodegradable polymer to prepare it for application. Post consumer waste (Polyethylene) Pyrolysis of plastic (Cynar) FuelWaxConvert wax to biodegradable plastic (UCD) Process biodegradable plastic for future application (TCD) The expected and realistic outputs from this project will be the conversion of polyethylene to a biodegradable plastic mclPHA. The plastic will be characterised and produced in kilogram quantities for processing. The patenting of the bacteria or process to convert the PE pyrolysis product to mclPHA as well as the processing of the plastic will be undertaken. The generation of at least four peer reviewed publications in high ranking international journals will be a further output. The expertise built around this project will place the group in a unique and unrivalled position nationally and internationally for the conversion of petrochemical plastics into biodegradable plastic.

Grant Approved

�998,990.46

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

Waste and Resources Management

Start Date

01/10/2008

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/10/2012