Researchers at the University of Birmingham are exploring the potential of depolymerising PHA at the end of life.

Researchers found that certain types of biodegradable plastics can be decomposed by microbes on the deep-sea floor, at depths ranging from 757 to 5552 meters. The study focused on various biodegradable materials, including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), biodegradable polyesters, and polysaccharide esters. While poly(L-lactic acid) did not degrade, other materials showed signs of decomposition, although the process was slower at greater depths. Microbial communities associated with the plastics were analyzed, revealing the presence of dominant microorganisms with genes for potential plastic-degrading enzymes (such as PHA depolymerases). The study concludes that biodegradable plastic materials can undergo microbial degradation on the deep-sea floor, albeit less efficiently than in coastal environments.

TotalEnergies Corbion has entered into a collaborative venture with Bluepha to propel the development of sustainable fibers using Luminy® PLA and Bluepha® PHA. Established in May 2023, this strategic partnership aims to advance the applications and development of Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) products within the Chinese market.

Danimer Scientific, Inc., a leading next generation bioplastics company focused on the development and production of biodegradable materials, today announced it has successfully completed the expansion of its Rochester, NY demonstration plant in order to better serve partners for the testing of Rinnovo® polymers.

Bosk Bioproducts collects industrial waste, such as bio-sludge from paper manufacturing, and converts it into compostable bioplastics. The organization is now receiving $1M in financial assistance from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED). This support will help Bosk Bioproducts in enhancing the production capacity for its bio-based bioplastic, REGEN™.

Paques Biomaterials, concluded a new funding round, securing €14 million to advance the production of a biopolymer that offers the benefits of plastic without its associated drawbacks.

The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) has submitted a petition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging an update to the National Organic Program's (NOP) decades-old compost definition.

Uluu introduces its debut commercial product, the 'Made with Uluu' Quiksilver surf wax combs.

Paques Biomaterials and Looop will collaborate in producing PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) from agri-food side streams. Paques Biomaterials has been working for more than ten years on the technology in which microbes in organic side streams produce the biopolymer PHA. Looop is an independent (knowledge) partner and supplier of these side streams from the agri-food sector.

Din Certco has just launched a new version of their certification scheme for "Additives according to EN 13432". This certification ensures that manufacturers' inks, adhesives, fillers, and other additives meet all compostability standards, including important biodegradation and ecotoxicity requirements. Plus, Din Certco can now confirm compliance with the ISO 23517 standard for soil biodegradability! Sub-licences can also be issued.

Danimer Scientific, Inc., a bioplastics company focused on the development and production of biodegradable materials, announced the commercialization of home compostable retail packaging for vegetables and fruit, which Danimer developed in partnership with biodegradable packaging and food service product manufacturer BIOLO and carrot producer Bolthouse Farms.

Invest-NL commissioned a market study to capitalize on the PHA market potential. This study reveals the market opportunities for various types of PHA materials and outlines the requirements for expediting market introductions.

Last week marked the initiation of a significant milestone for our member Paques Biomaterials, as the construction phase of the PHA-extraction pilot in Emmen began.

CJ Biomaterials, Inc., a subsidiary of South Korea's CJ CheilJedang and a manufacturer of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers, has received the 2023 German Red Dot Design Award for its PHA Head-Up Toothbrush, developed in collaboration with Revelop, an eco-friendly design specialist.

Delsci's new Packaging Lab is equipped with advanced machinery designed for comprehensive testing of barrier papers in packaging applications and for food safety.

Blow molding is a process mainly used for bottles. Various GO!PHA partners have managed to create pure PHA and PHA-based blends to make PHA bottles a possibility!

Dive into the full article by Plastics Technology for a deeper understanding of the extrusion blow molding technique with PHA/PLA blends. 

AIMPLAS, a GO!PHA member, has achieved a significant milestone in the Bio-Innovation of a Circular Economy for Plastics (BioICEP) project. BioICEP, funded by the Horizon 2020 programme, is a collaborative initiative aimed at developing sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

The PRO-PHBV project, led by AMS Institute and TU Delft, with GO!PHA Member Paques Biomaterials, is making waves. The project focuses on understanding how effectively the PHBV-based bio-composite breaks down in natural conditions.

While they currently constitute only a small fraction of global plastic production, biobased plastics are on the rise, fueled by the increasing demand for sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics. Recent findings from the nova-Institute indicate growth rate of 14% per annum for biobased plastics, with projections indicating a potential 3% market share within five years.

A study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology for the first time found microplastics in the hearts of humans undergoing cardiac surgery. This issue highlights the urgent need for solutions.