The CSIRO and Murdoch University collaboration seeks to craft biologically derived plastic capable of breaking down in land, compost or water. The hub is armed with interdisciplinary power – relying on the efforts of experts in microbiology, molecular genetics, synthetic biology, biochemical engineering, advanced manufacturing and circular economy principles to appropriate innovations in bioplastics research into real-world applications.

CSIRO Ending Plastic Waste lead Dr Deborah Lau says it is “critical” for the industry to respond to the expanding issue of plastic pollution for the betterment of the planet and Australia’s still fledgling circular economy. 

“We are developing a broad range of scientific and technological solutions for the entire plastics supply chain to support government and industry initiatives and eliminate litter,” says Lau. 

Compostable bioplastics are increasing in value in light of excessive plastic pollution and fossil fuel depletion. The hub will deliver guidance and expertise to the plastics industry to safeguard a plastic waste green economy. 

Addressing a growing concern in sustainability circles

CSIRO research program director Dr Andy Whiteley underscores that the hub’s overarching goal is to develop 100 percent compostable and bio-derived packaging to be used across a wide range of applications. “Such packaging will be used as sprays, films, bottles, caps and wrappers engineered to fully break down in compost and land and in aquatic environments,” says Whiteley.

Based at Murdoch University’s main campus in Perth, the hub intends to establish a new precedent in water bottle production by co-investing with WA-based biotechnology company Ecopha Biotech. This co-investment aims to develop water bottles using compostable bioplastics sourced from waste products in the food industry. Similar applications will be available for the cleaning industry.

“Ecopha Biotech’s role is to ensure the new ideas and technologies developed from the hub are successfully commercialised – contributing to a more sustainable future for Australia,” says Ecopha Biotech CEO Dr Wilson Ling.

A new frontier in green plastic production 

 Murdoch University deputy vice chancellor Peter Eastwood underscores the need for technological ingenuity in the fight against plastic waste. 

“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,” says Eastwood.

Eastwood expresses the hub’s end result of inadvertently creating a skilled biomanufacturing industry. “The outcomes of this project will boost the capability of Australia for commercial production of compostable bioplastics,” says Eastwood. 

CSIRO is driven to slash plastic waste entering the Australian environment by 80 percent over the next six years. This goal demonstrates Australia’s loyalty to the United Nations Global Treaty on plastic pollution and the National Plastics Plan. 

Photo by Naja Bertolt Jensen on Unsplash.