The X Factor in Bioplastics: November’s Top 10

At a time when companies and countries grapple with the environmental consequences of traditional plastics, bioplastics aka or biopolymers are seen by many as a game-changing alternative.

Derived from a diverse range of sources from seaweed to agricultural waste, bioplastics developers and providers continue to produce solutions bundled in promise and potential.

We’ve collected 10 interesting bioplastic posts from the X social media platform that involve innovations and emerging trends. These range from how one innovator brews a better PHA to a sugar shift that benefits people and biopolymers.

We kick off our compilation with news about BASF’s first running shoe midsole based on a new biopolymer grade.

Amazon is testing biopolymer shopping bags for Amazon Fresh grocery orders in Valencia, Spain, in collaboration with Novamont.

Patent filings provide an indicator of activity and a peek at what’s ahead. So this post about a record-breaking number of new patent filing numbers for bioplastics and plastics recycling innovations projects a favorable future for both markets.

First 100% bioplastic pouch is store drop-off recyclable as polyethylene brings a whole new level to biopolymer circularity.

California startups Umaro and Sway were awarded a $1.5 million grant by the US Department of Energy to develop better techniques to convert algae into innovative bioplastics. Does this portend a US sea change in biopolymer support?

For such a small thing, plastic straws have been a lightning rod of controversy for years. CJ Biomaterials offers a problem-solving solution: a PHA compound for straw applications that are certified as marine degradable.

We’ve seen a spike in developments that source biopolymers from paper and wood. W-Cycle partners with pulp and paper company Melhoramentos to produce SupraPul, a patented compostable food packaging derived from sugarcane bagasse.

Tunability for customized properties can strengthen a material’s business case. Northeastern researchers develop a new tunable bioplastic called MECHS — Mechanical Engineered Living Materials with Compostability, Healability and Scalability.

PhaBuilder knows how to brew better is polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). The company’s secret? A strain of salt-loving bacteria they’ve been developing in the lab for 15 years using waste sugar and acetate.

We’ll end our compilation on a sweet note: A proposed shift of sugar production from people to bioplastic and microbes is said to be healthier for humans and the environment.