New Bioplastics Innovation Hub Aims to Eliminate Plastic Waste

The Hub will bring together experts in microbiology, molecular genetics, synthetic biology, biochemical engineering, advanced manufacturing and circular economy.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The newly launched The Bioplastics Innovation Hub aims to end plastic waste by developing a new generation of 100% compostable plastic by collaborating with industry stakeholders. The Hub was launched jointly by Australia’s national science agency, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Murdoch University.

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The Hub will bring together experts in microbiology, molecular genetics, synthetic biology, biochemical engineering, advanced manufacturing and circular economy. It aims to develop bio-derived packaging, which would fully break down in compost, land or water. It will help to meet the rising demand for compostable bioplastics, thus driving a plastic waste green economy.

In the first stage, the Hub will cooperate with Ecopha Biotech Pty Ltd to develop a new process for water bottle production using compostable bioplastics.

The boosted production of compostable bioplastic along with introduction of green plastic into the market will significantly reduce the requirement for non-sustainable plastic production, said Peter Eastwood, Murdoch University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research & Innovation Professor. The outcome of the project will boost the country’s commercial production capability of compostable bioplastics, he added.