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CO2-Recycling: Carbon Dioxide-Negative Bioplastic Production

offer_CO2rec

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

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