The British startup Polymateria, based at Imperial’s White City Campus, has developed a biodegradable plastic that’s also recyclable. The next-gen sustainable technology is the first of its kind.
The company writes on its website, “We are the only technology with evidence in PP and PE product applications reaching full biodegradation, leaving behind zero MICROPLASTICS and no eco-toxicity issues to the environment. We have all the corresponding data points to prove our claims.”
The material comes in the form of a thin and flexible cling film (plastic wrap); although, manufacturers can also use it to make packaging and food storage bags.
It can either be recycled or breaks down on its own in only 226 days. If recycled, it can be turned into other products like pallets or flowerpots. If left alone, it withers into a harmless wax or sludge.
The ISO-accredited Impact Solutions (UK plastics experts) conducted independent recyclability testing. The results: Polymateria’s polyethylene film is the first to be independently proven both truly biodegradable in the natural environment and recyclable.
Niall Dunne, Polymateria’s chief executive said, “This should give us all hope. This should define a new era, in not thinking this is either/or. These shouldn’t be mutually exclusive solutions; they have to be complementary solutions. And this is the first time that we’ve seen anyone provide ISO-accredited data and evidence that it’s possible.”
Most biodegradable or compostable plastics, including bioplastics, can’t be recycled because they don’t break down in the same way as traditional plastic. This limits their environmental benefit. Further limiting is the fact that many don’t break down outside of industrial composting facilities, meaning they remain a threat to animals in the environment.
Dr. Michail Kalloudis, Impact Solutions’ director of polymer science, said, “Biodegradable packaging materials are not meant to be mixed with polyethylene materials. Polymateria’s is an exception because it’s based on polyethylene.”
Polymateria’s plastic is based on the same structure as conventional polyethylene. However, it has been chemically and biologically altered to disintegrate and leave no microplastics behind. The alteration involves adding a substance that starts a chemical reaction after a certain amount, causing the crystalline plastic structure to break down.
The starting point of this process can be delayed or sped up. The product comes with a “recycle by” date to indicate when the transition will occur. The material is also modified to encourage fungi and microbes to digest it.
Mr. Dunne said, “For too long, it has been assumed that biodegradable material cannot also be recycled. Our technology is changing perceptions. Products containing our technology should be recycled as a matter of priority, but any items escaping the system will return to nature at the right time without causing any harm. As enablers of a circular economy, we invite the industry to join the growing number of partners working with us to bring a circular economy vision to life.
If we stay putting huge pressure on the recycling system and expecting them to do everything, it’s not going to happen. I think equally if we think biodegradability is the answer, it’s also not going to happen. The key is both of those things working together, and then we’ve got a chance.”
Polymateria is also developing a rigid polypropylene material for making products like drink cups. The rigid plastic is now in the final phases of testing for recyclability but has already been proven to break down in the natural environment in 336 days. A later peer-reviewed study confirmed the technology can fully biodegrade polyethylene and polypropylene in soil, though the company’s role in funding the research drew scrutiny.
Dr. Simon Hepworth, Imperial College London’s director of enterprise, said, “As a science-focused business developing technology to address global environmental challenges, we’re proud to see them flourish and to continue our role in supporting Polymateria’s efforts to build a circular economy.”
Among Polymateria’s first customers is Pour Les Femmes, a fashion brand founded by House of Cards actress Robin Wright. The company will use its plastic packaging to deliver clothes to shops and customers.
