10133001Plastic free responsive shading solution for greenhousesClosedGrant for R&DInnovate UKAlbotherm's project aims to revolutionise greenhouse shading technology to combat microplastic pollution and enhance agricultural productivity sustainably. The European Union's Zero Pollution Action Plan targets a 30% reduction in microplastic pollution by 2030 through restrictions on the intentional addition of microplastics to products. This restriction does not currently cover coatings and paints, which form as macro layers but break down into microplastics with weathering. Future restrictions are likely to be updated to include microplastic pollution from coatings, which are currently estimated to contribute 1.9 million tonnes of pollution annually to the oceans, equating to 58% of all microplastic pollution. Greenhouses currently regulate temperatures using shade paints which are typically chalk based white paints applied and removed each season. This process contributes 250,000 tonnes of CO2 and around 90,400 tonnes of plastic pollution annually. These paints are washed away using chemical cleaning solutions, which dissolve the coatings into microplastics, and are then washed into waterways and the wider environment. Microplastics pose a significant threat to public health and the environment, therefore our goal is to avoid contributing to this problem while still offering the benefits of our technology. Albotherm has developed an additive technology that reversibly transitions from transparent to white, shading greenhouses in hot weather and allowing more light on cooler days. This additive regulates internal temperature without electrical input, increasing light levels by up to 18% and crop yields by up to 34%. It offers significant environmental and economic benefits compared to traditional shade paints. As our technology is currently removed in the same way as chalk based paints, this project sets out to adapt our additives to be plastic free. Within this project, we aim to explore the feasibility of using bio-based or biodegradable alternatives to our current materials. Over the course of a year, we will conduct rigorous R&D alongside our regular operations, sourcing and testing these materials in trials to compare their performance with our current technology. Through this project, we aim to eliminate a potential 6,000 tonnes of plastic pollution from entering marine environments over the next five years, whilst also boosting crop yields. Across the UK our technology could help generate 38,000 extra tonnes of crop production. Albotherm seeks to lead in sustainable agricultural practices, contributing positively to global environmental health and food security.