VEnvirotech

Plastic waste represents a major threat to the aquatic system since its degradation can last up to 2000 years. The European Parliament envisages a zero-plastic level by 2030 and conforms its legislature accordingly. This fact poses a serious challenge to the plastic industry, which must move to environmentally friendly solutions. PHA bioplastics that are biodegradable and produced by bacteria could emerge as an alternative. However, their high production costs make the technology uncompetitive. The EU-funded VEnvirotech project proposes a solution based on biotechnology that with the use of bacteria transforms organic waste into biodegradable PHA bioplastics at significantly lower costs. The innovative technology envisages reducing waste management costs by 30 % and bioplastic price by 50 %.