The main thrust of the activities of the researchers and entrepreneurs from 22 centers in Europe and Malaysia is to preserve the quality of the terrestrial and marine environment in Europe. This goal is being pursued by developing and implementing sustainable solutions for the production and use of bio-based plastics.
Bio-Plastics goes beyond a research project. It also involves interventions to transform public awareness around bio-based polymers. The project teams are looking at the problem from multiple perspectives. They are working on innovative product design, developing health and safety standards, end-of-life solutions for products, and environmental and economic evaluation of the product life cycle. They are also developing business models for recycling biodegradable bio-based polymers.
The project, whose budget is € 8.5 million, is coordinated by Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW), represented by Professor Walter Leal. The anticipated completion time is September of this year.
The role of the researchers from TUL
The team represented by Professor Liliana Krzystek (project leader, IPOŚ), Professor Ewa Liwarska-Bizukojć (BAiIŚ), and dr inż. Radosław Ślęzak (IPOŚ), is carrying out research on the ecotoxicity and biodegradability of various materials and chemical substances. Among them are innovative materials containing biodegradable polymers, such as butylene succinate (PBS), poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and polylactide (PLA) with mineral additives. These materials are provided by project partners Naturplast SAS of France and Arctic Biomaterials OY Ltd. of Finland.
Professor Ewa Liwarska-Bizukojć is engaged in the study of the effects of bio-based polymers on terrestrial ecosystems, and specifically in the evaluation of ecotoxicity to land plants and earthworms.
The study of the biodegradation of bio-based polymers in soil under natural climatic conditions in Poland is being carried out by Professor Liliana Krzystek and dr inż. Radosław Ślęzak in collaboration with Professor Izabella Krucińska, Professor Michał Puchalski, and Professor Sławomir Sztajnowski of the Institute of Textile Materials Science and Polymer Composites.
Please see Professor Liwarska-Bizukojć's article to learn more about the research conducted by the scientists from TUL under the project.