UGent: Plastic based on waste for food packaging

Researchers of UGent are working on a new type of plastic that can be produced by bacteria that convert substances from waste streams into plastic. This plastic can be used as packaging for food products. The substance that is used to produce the new plastic is called polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The production process of PHB uses bacteria: they can produce the required substances that form the base of this plastic in their metabolism.
These bacteria grow on waste. It can be any type of waste, as long as it contains sugar or carbon. For example, plant waste, or simply paper. The cellulose in paper is a sugar and gives the bacteria energy (Press Release UGent, 13 July 2016).
Click here for the press release (in Dutch).
Click here for more information about the NVC Course Food Packaging.

If you have any questions about this subject, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411. This item is also included in our monthly overview, the NVC Members-only Update.