Abstract

BioPlastiCycle addressed the major challenges associated to the linear plastics economy and plastic pollution by developing new materials and processes for bio-based and biodegradable plastics in a circular framework, driven by a highly interdisciplinary consortium. In this context, the project tackled all key aspects of the value cycle for bioplastics, focusing on both the established bio-based polymers polylactide and newly developed innovative materials. This included bio-based monomer production, optimized polymerization, tuning polymer properties for biodegradability, and the development of bio- and chemical recycling strategies, complemented by techno-economic and environmental assessments.
The BioPlastiCycle project was a success and made a significant contribution for the transition of bioplastics towards a circular bioeconomy by delivering new materials, processes, and knowledge that will help reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable regional development.

BOOST FUND 2.0 Coordinator

Dr. Benedikt Wynands
IBG-1: Biotechnology
Forschungszentrum Jülich
email: b.wynands@fz-juelich.de

Partner

Prof. Dr. Wiechert & Dr.-Ing. Noack, IBG-1: Systems Biotechnology, Forschungszentrum Jülich
Prof. Dr, Herres-Pawlis,  Bioinorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen
Prof. Dr. Hartmann, Macromolekular Chemistry, HHU Düsseldorf
Prof. Dr. Bott & Prof. Dr. Wierckx & Dr. Wynands, IBG-1: Systemistic Microbiology, Forschungszentrum Jülich
Prof. Dr. Vanderborght & Dr. Püzt & Prof. Dr. Bol, IBG-3: Agrosphere, Forschungszentrum Jülich
Prof. Dr. Walther, Operations Management, RWTH Aachen

Funding period

01.05.2022 - 30.09.2025

Funding

BioPlastiCycle is part of the NRW-Strategieprojekt BioSC and thus funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Publications

Halle, L, Höppner, D, Doser, M, Brüsseler, C, Gätgens, J, Conen, N, Jupke, A, Marienhagen, J and Noack, S (2025). From molasses to purified α-ketoglutarate with engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum. Bioresource Technology 416: 131803.

Adeleh, S, Bol, R, Becker, T, Herres-Pawlis, S, Vereecken, H and Pütz, T (2024). Radiolabeling for polymers degradation studies: Opportunities and challenges ahead. Polymer Degradation and Stability 230: 111053

Becker, T, Hermann, A, Saritas, N, Hoffmann, A and Herres-Pawlis, S (2024). Open- and Closed-Loop Recycling: Highly Active Zinc Bisguanidine Polymerization Catalyst for the Depolymerization of Polyesters. ChemSusChem 17(18): e202400933. 

Mürtz, SD, Lehnertz, MS, Kümper, J, Häger, E, Markus, A, Becker, T, Herres-Pawlis, S and Palkovits, R (2024). Electrochemical depolymerisation of polylactic acid. Green Chemistry 26(11): 6423-6428.

Abdelshafy, A, Hermann, A, Herres-Pawlis, S and Walther, G (2023). Opportunities and Challenges of Establishing a Regional Bio-based Polylactic Acid Supply Chain. Global Challenges 7(7): 2200218.   

Tenhaef, N, Hermann, A, Müller, MF, Görtz, J, Marienhagen, J, Oldiges, M, Wiechert, W, Bott, M, Jupke, A, Hartmann, L, Herres-Pawlis, S and Noack, S (2023). From Microbial Succinic Acid Production to Polybutylene Bio-Succinate Synthesis Chemie Ingenieur Technik 95(4): 587-595.