The new Bioplastics Innovation Hub aims to reduce plastic waste. Credit: Hans via Pixabay.

CSIRO, the Australian national science agency, has teamed up with Murdoch University to develop an A$8m ($5.42m) Bioplastics Innovation Hub. 

The collaboration will work with industry partners to develop 100% compostable plastic. 

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The bioderived plastics developed from the facility can degrade in various environments, including compost, land, and water. 

CSIRO research programme director Dr Andy Whiteley emphasised the hub’s mission to unite experts across microbiology, synthetic biology, molecular genetics, biochemical engineering and other disciplines to translate bioplastics research into tangible products.  

Whiteley said: “Our primary focus is the development of 100% compostable, bioderived packaging for use as sprays, films, bottles, caps and wrappers which are engineered to fully break down in compost, land and in aquatic environments.”  

The Bioplastics Innovation Hub is designed to provide the plastics industry with essential manufacturing capabilities and expertise.  

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The initial project involves a partnership with Ecopha Biotech to create a new process for producing water bottles from compostable bioplastics sourced from food industry waste. 

Murdoch University deputy vice-chancellor of Research & Innovation Professor Peter Eastwood said: “Together with CSIRO, Murdoch University will fast-track the production of novel compostable bioplastic and introduce a green plastic to the market which will significantly minimise the requirement for non-sustainable plastic production.”  

Located at Murdoch University’s main campus in Perth, Western Australia, the Bioplastics Innovation Hub will also focus on training a new generation of professionals in advanced biomanufacturing. 

This initiative supports CSIRO’s goal of reducing plastic waste in the Australian environment by 80% by 2030 and aligns with the United Nations Global Treaty on plastic pollution and the Australian government’s National Plastics Plan.