Dutch researchers join forces to boost PHAs market introduction
Invest-NL and Wageningen University & Research are joining forces to accelerate the market introduction of PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates). Wageningen Food & Biobased Research has been conducting technological research for 30 years into the production and usage possibilities of PHAs for various applications. They are currently participating in the European Urbiofin project, which aims to make PHAs from urban waste for use in packaging materials. In collaboration with Invest-NL they studied the market opportunities that will arise in the coming decades for the various types of PHA materials and the developments that are still required.
Harvard team unveils biodegradable, anti-microbial food packaging material
A team of scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and Harvard University claims to have developed a ‘smart’ food packaging material that is biodegradable and kills microbes that are harmful to humans – all while extending the shelf-life of fresh fruit by two to three days. The water-proof food packaging is made from a type of corn protein called zein, starch and other naturally derived biopolymers, infused with a cocktail of natural antimicrobial compounds. These include oil from thyme, a common herb used in cooking, and citric acid, which is commonly found in citrus fruits.
High recycling rate of PET bottles questioned in new study
PET bottles used as packaging for soft drinks and mineral waters are often touted as the greenest type of plastic, with one of the highest recycling rates in the industry. But those claims are now being challenged by new research. Only a fraction of recycled PET collected from household waste is actually used in new bottles, according to new research by consultancy firm Eunomia published on Wednesday (16 February). New bottles placed on the EU market contain an average of just 17% of recycled PET, despite a recycling rate of around 50%, according to the study, conducted for the environmental NGO Zero Waste Europe.