CO2-Recycling: Carbon Dioxide-Negative Bioplastic Production

October 12, 2022

CO₂-Recycling: Carbon Dioxide-Negative Bioplastic Production

acib in cooperation with Graz University of Technology has developed a method for automatic production of bioplastics from CO₂. The CO₂ from exhaust gases is assimilated by bacteria and converted into biodegradable natural polymers.

Background

Biodegradable plastics made from CO₂ combine the advantages of CO₂ recycling with the replacement of fossil plastics. Natural microbes produce the bioplastic polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) from 98% CO₂. PHA plastics have properties that are similar to the petroleum polymers polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). They are UV-stable, able to withstand higher temperatures, show good resistance to moisture and provide a good barrier for aroma compounds. Currently, PHAs are provided for in compostable waste bags, biodegradable mulch films, packaging but also cosmetics and 3D high-tech medical applications such as implants. In 2021, 48 kilotons were produced with traditional technology using mainly sugars or oils as feedstocks.

Technology

acib exploits Cupriavidus necator (aka Ralstonia eutropha), a fast-growing bacterium able to use H₂ (e.g. from electrolysis of water using excess of electric energy), O₂ and CO₂ for growth and PHA formation**. A highly automated process for the production of top quality PHA from CO₂ is already available (TRL 4 – Technology validated in lab). We now strive to valorise CO₂-rich off-gases from industrial processes and to produce innovative, biodegradable plastic products with new partners.

acib has ample expertise in providing these services to various companies – check also our other offers!

*Illustration Kratzer, R.
**Lambauer, V., Kratzer, R. (2022) Lab-scale cultivation of Cupriavidus necator on explosive gas mixtures: carbon dioxide fixation into polyhydroxybutyrate. Bioengineering, 9:204; DOI.org/10.3390/bioengineering9050204

Offer

acib seeks investors and industrial partners to develop this technology to commercial scale. We are addressing the CO2-producing industry, plant engineering companies and those interested in bioplastics. Under protection of a CDA/NDA we provide you with details on advanced biopolymer productions. Any IP developed in a joint project would fully belong to the new investor/industrial partner.

Experts:

Prof. Dr. Regina Kratzer, Prof. Dr. Markus Reichhartinger, DI Vera Lambauer

Available for:

Joint Research Project, Contract Research, Investments

Development status:

Technology Readiness Level 4 (Technology validated in the lab)

IPR:

Will be generated for you as our industrial partner / investor

Keywords:

CO₂-Recycling, PHA, PHB, Bioplastics, Exhaust gas, Biodegradable, Cupriavidus necator

For more information please contact:

Dr. Martin U. Trinker
Director Business Development & Fundraising
Krenngasse 37
8010 Graz
e-mail
+43 316 873 9316