Feasibility study into the production of Bio-based monomers by fermentation at scale (Feasi-Ferm)

An estimated 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste has been generated globally since the 1950s (Science, 2017) of which approximately 80% remains in landfill or loose in the environment. Global greenhouse gas emissions from the production and disposal of plastics is more than double that of air travel (Nature Climate Change, 2019).

In line with current demand, oil-based plastics are produced at a rate of ~350mtpa. While useful, they have been developed focusing on function than end-of-life performance and their environmental impact.

Recycling alone is not the complete answer to the "plastics problem". These include cost, food contamination, polymer degradation and environmental leakage. Bio-based and biodegradable plastics are an important part of the solution.

This project will help to unlock the UK based production of novel platform biomonomers. By demonstrating the successful dovetail of fermentation and downstream/product extraction processes and pave the way towards scale-up of novel bioplastics from Biome's current research in partnership with existing commercial customers.

The project's outcome will help unlock the commercial deployment of a new range of sustainable and biodegradable materials that can contribute to the UK's goal of 70% of plastics packaging effectively recycled or composted by 2025 and progress of the chemical's sector towards net-zero. Reducing in real terms the environmental burden of plastics whilst increasing productivity and growth for the wider UK (bio)economy.