Advancing bioplastic innovations to meet emerging regulations

Dr Karen Wooley look at how new innovations in bioplastics can reduce our reliance on traditional plastics

There is little doubt that the world is undergoing a significant shift in its approach to plastic. Soon, we will see global leaders from 175 nations gather for the final round of negotiations for a legally binding UN Global Plastics Treaty aimed at ending plastic pollution. A key focus of these discussions will be on capping plastic production at its source and exploring sustainable alternatives to replace it.

Already, a growing number of regulations are being put in place to curb plastic use in our daily lives. Last year, the UK introduced a single-use plastic ban, prohibiting the sale of single-use plastic cutlery, plates, bowls, and polystyrene cups. The US is also taking strides, with California leading the way. This month, the progressive state banned all plastic bags at supermarket checkouts, even reusable ones, to crack down on pollution. 

It is not just government regulations driving the shift, but also a change in consumer demands, as individuals are increasingly aware of their ecological footprint. One recent study found that more than 80% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. 

With the pressure mounting, brands are having to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape, pushed to consider sustainability throughout their entire supply chain. Despite this, plastics’ exceptional properties, including being lightweight, water-resistant, durable, and highly malleable, make it a challenging material to replace. Additionally, the potential costs and complexities of transitioning to alternative materials are significant factors that need to be carefully weighed. 

To help brands transition away from fossil-fuel-based plastics, new materials must not only match the impressive qualities of plastics but also be practical and viable for widespread adoption. This holistic approach will empower brands to make a more seamless and impactful shift away from conventional plastics.

For example, Teysha Technologies’ bioplastic solution represents the culmination of extensive research conducted over several years at Texas A&M University. The innovation aims to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and practical, commercial applications by offering brands a viable alternative to traditional fossil-fuel-based plastics. 

The core of Teysha’s technology lies in its ‘plug-and-play’ system, which is designed to be both flexible and adaptable, allowing for a wide array of combinations using modified natural product monomers and co-monomers. This versatility enables the creation of bioplastics that are not only biodegradable but also possess the high-performance qualities required for various industrial and consumer applications. By fine-tuning the molecular composition, Teysha can precisely control key properties such as material strength, flexibility, and degradation rates, tailoring the bioplastic to meet specific needs. 

That said, there are legitimate concerns about whether bioplastics can truly be considered ‘sustainable’. Many conventional bioplastics are still derived from fossil fuels, which means that although they may degrade more quickly under specific conditions, they continue to depend on non-renewable resources. 

Dr Karen Wooley, Chief Technology Officer, Teysha Technologies 

Bioplastics produced from natural sources, such as corn, wheat, potatoes, or rice, also present challenges due to their reliance on crops that are crucial for human consumption. With millions of people worldwide facing severe food insecurity each year, diverting these essential food resources to produce plastic alternatives could raise ethical questions. 

A key focus of our research at Texas A&M University is developing solutions to produce degradable bioplastics from waste materials. Recently, we unveiled a breakthrough in which we discovered that dead black soldier flies, with their remarkably short lifespan, can be transformed into biodegradable plastics. These insects contain chitin, a sugar-based polymer that strengthens their exoskeletons, allowing us to repurpose their waste into valuable bioplastic. What is even more exciting is that insects can consume bioplastic as a food source, after which they could be harvested again to produce new bioplastics, creating a fully circular process.

With ongoing development, it is anticipated that this renewable solution will present an innovation that empowers brands to navigate upcoming plastic regulations across a range of industries, from packaging to personal care to construction. Our approach provides a practical and sustainable alternative that not only reduces toxic pollution but also promotes a more circular economy, paving the way toward a future where plastic no longer poses a threat to our planet.