POLYMERHEMP
PolymerHemp is a polymer science technology focused on composites made from renewable sources.
A biocomposite is formed by a base matrix (resin) and reinforced by natural hemp fibers.
Why Bio-Plastic?
Bioplastics are biodegradable materials that come from renewable sources and can be used to reduce the problem of plastic waste that is suffocating the planet and contaminating the environment.
Does it make any sense to continue using packaging that can take centuries to disappear to pack products that only last days or months.
Bioplastic: An alternative to traditional plastic
As an alternative, the use of bioplastics is being promoted, consisting in obtaining natural polymers from agricultural, cellulose or potato and corn starch waste.
These are 100% degradable, equally resistant and versatile, already used in agriculture, textile industry, medicine and, over all, in the container and packaging market, and biopolymers are already becoming popular in cities throughout Europe and the United States for ecological reasons: they are known as PHA.
Advantages of bioplastics
- They reduce carbon footprint
- They providing energy savings in production
- They do not involve the consumption of non-renewable raw materials
- Their production reduces non-biodegradable waste that contaminates the environment
- They do not contain additives that are harmful to health, such as phthalates or bisphenol A
- They do not change the flavor or scent of the food contained
Uses of bioplastics:
It is expanding its use in various sectors: medical (prostheses, sutures …) in food (catering products, disposable containers …), toys, and even in the world of fashion (Versace has a clothing line Ingeo, made from corn) and, of course, biodegradable bags.
Bioplastics are a large family of different materials
‘Biobased’ does not equal ‘biodegradable’
Benefits of bioplastics
Bioplastics are driving the evolution of plastics. There are two major advantages of biobased plastic products compared to their conventional versions: they save fossil resources by using biomass which regenerates (annually) and provides the unique potential of carbon neutrality.
Furthermore, biodegradability is an add-on property of certain types of bioplastics. It offers additional means of recovery at the end of a product’s life.
Types of Bioplastic
Bioplastics are currently used in disposable items like packaging, containers, straws, bags and bottles, and in non-disposable carpet, plastic piping, phone casings,
3D printing, car insulation and medical implants. The global bioplastic market is projected to grow from $17 billion this year to almost $44 billion in 2022.
From Wastewater to Bioplastic
Kartik Chandran and Columbia students are developing systems to produce biodegradable bioplastic from wastewater and solid waste. Chandran uses a mixed microbe community that feeds on carbon in the form of volatile fatty acids, such as acetic acid found in vinegar.
His system works by feeding wastewater into a bioreactor. Inside, microorganisms (distinct from the plastic-producing bacteria) convert the waste’s organic carbon into volatile fatty acids.
Full Cycle Bioplastics
Full Cycle Bioplastics in California is also producing PHA from organic waste such as food waste, crop residue such as stalks and inedible leaves, garden waste, and unrecycled paper or cardboard.
Used to make bags, containers, cutlery, water and shampoo bottles, this bioplastic is compostable, marine degradable (meaning that if it ends up in the ocean, it can serve as fish or bacteria food) and has no toxic effects. Full Cycle can process the PHA at the end of its life, and use it to make virgin plastic again.
