A new initiative known as the Bioplastics Innovation Hub has been launched by CSIRO and Murdoch University. CSIRO is Australia’s national science agency and the aim of the project is to develop bioplastics which are 100% compostable.

The ability to create this hub, was brought about through an investment of AUS eight million and this investment will also make it possible to bring together industry and academia, with the intention of producing bioplastics. These bioplastics will be significant within the industry because they will have the ability to break down in compost, land and even water.

This innovative new hub is due to be based at Murdoch University’s main campus, which is located in Western Australia, specifically Perth. It is hoped that this new development will bring in experts in microbiology, molecular genetics, synthetic biology, biochemical engineering, advanced manufacturing and circular economy. The people running this project aim to achieve this goal through taking the advancements made in bioplastics research and translating it into real-world applications. Furthermore, the hub will also become a place where the next generation of the workforce will receive the ability to train in advanced biomanufacturing.

Now that this initial work has been completed, it has been agreed that the hub’s first project will be a partnership with PHA-producer Ecopha Biotech Pty, also located in Perth. The overall aim of this partnership is to create a new process for producing water bottles out of PHA derived waste products that originate from the food industry.

CSIRO has made their expectation that the hub will assist the industry clear and this expectation will be shown through helping to establish a sector which is dedicated to advanced biomanufacturing, as well as commercialising compostable bioplastics. A huge requirement for these new products is that they will meet the certification standards for 100% biodegradation.

CSIRO research programme director, Dr Andy Whiteley, commented, “Our primary focus is the development of 100% compostable, bio-derived packaging for use as sprays, films, bottles, caps and wrappers which are engineered to fully break down in compost, land and in aquatic environments.”