End of life for biopolymers
In the final session on Wednesday 5 March, entitled Harnessing Microbial Power: Enzymatic Solutions for Bioplastic Recycling, Laura de Eugenio of CSIC presented innovations in enzymatic recycling. Kristie Tanner of Darwin Bioprospecting explained how the company works to translate microbial potential into market-ready applications in areas as diverse as health and the environment. Concluding the first day's presentations, Christian Sonnendecker from the University of Leipzig presented advances in enzymatic recycling of PET and PBS using the PHL7 enzyme and a new rapid system for monitoring the enzymatic hydrolysis of plastics by measuring the thickness of plastic films.
The second day began with a presentation by Francesco Colizzi from the Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), who described technologies to optimise the biodegradation of polymers, such as the modification of specific enzymes. Next, Jing Liu and Elton Melo of BPC Instruments presented innovative methods for assessing biodegradability and compostability in closed chambers in the session Improving Plastic Biodegradation.
Gemma Buron, from IRTA (Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology), presented research carried out as part of the Solforplas project and how specific treatments can aid the complex degradation of polyethylene. Luis Cabedo from Cebimat a spin-off of the UJI, presented research aimed at improving the biodegradation of bioplastics in compost. Finally, Elena Domínguez, a leading researcher in Controlled Release and Soil Quality at AIMPLAS, discussed the applicability of bioplastics obtained through biotechnological pathways and their controlled biodegradation for the release of microorganisms and natural extracts in agriculture. Domínguez emphasised how these developments optimise the use of bio-inputs, improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact. She also highlighted their alignment with agrobiotechnology strategies supported by regulatory frameworks such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Voluntary Code of Conduct. These solutions help to reduce the use of synthetic agrochemicals and promote more sustainable materials.
The final session focused on techno-economic and environmental aspects. Apostolis Koutinas of NTUA (Agricultural University of Athens) presented advances in research on bioplastic degradation for rigid packaging, analysing economic feasibility and environmental impact. Kealie Vogel from EMPA (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) then discussed the climate impact of wood-derived biopolymers compared to fossil-based plastics, examining life cycle analysis, carbon emissions and sustainability, and how these materials can reduce environmental impacts and serve as viable alternatives in the transition to a circular, low-carbon economy. Finally, Ailen Soto of Zero-E Engineering presented a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology for products and processes that support a sustainable bio-economy.
Finally, the Red Marfil project held a roundtable discussion with José Miguel Fernández from AITIIP, Lucia Martín from Cidaut and Carolina Acosta, Senior Researcher in Mechanochemistry and Reactive Extrusion at Aimplas. Their presentations showed the progress made in a project aimed at developing new bioplastics from agro-industrial or biomass waste to increase their presence in high value-added sectors such as agriculture and transport.
The seminar was sponsored by Asobiocom BPC Instruments and Cultiply with the support of the Regional Ministry of Education, Culture, Universities and Employment, the UV-Aimplas Chair and the Unión de Mutuas, along with 17 biotechnology-related entities.
