Development of Bio-based and biodegradable polyethylene and polyesters for food packaging and agricultural applications

Bio2PEs aims to revolutionize the plastic sectors by developing bio-based and biodegradable polyethylene (PE) and polyester, directly derived from biomass waste, to combat plastic pollution and advance sustainability. The project will develop four eco-friendly, functional prototypes for food packaging, textile packaging, agricultural mulch, and crop protection membranes, addressing key sectors in need of sustainable alternatives. A crucial part of Bio2PEs is its to conduct a comprehensive environmental, economic, and social impact assessment, covering the entire lifecycle of the materials. The biodegradability in open environments, with ecotoxicity tests will be carried out across four EU climate zones (including soil, freshwater, and marine environments), ensuring the materials meet real-world environmental requirements. To support circularity, Bio2PEs will develop a cellulose-based self-repairing coating to fix scratches, enhance the durability and reusability and significantly improve product lifespan. Bio2PEs will also enhance the recyclability of materials by quantifying the exact content of the recycled material through a fluorescence marker technology. The project will also leverage collaboration with other EU-funded projects, building on social studies of consumer behaviour to design interactive labelling that encourages the adoption of biodegradable materials. Material development data will be shared with an AI tool, developed by a sister project, to expand the data pool and refine material development and biodegradability predictions. This project will support the European Circular Economy Action Plan by fostering scalable, sustainable solutions that reduce waste and plastic pollution while promoting resource efficiency.