Liverpool - Georgia research team join forces to develop sustainable bioplastics

A collaboration between researchers from the University of Liverpool and the University of Georgia (UGA) aims to develop sustainable bioplastics.

Supported by the UKRI Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), the `Sustainable Bioplastics Prepared by Ultrasonic Treatment with Low CO2 Footprint' project looks to revolutionise the production of bioplastics through advanced ultrasonic treatment methods.

By significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process as well as energy consumption, the team hopes to provide a viable alternative biodegradable plastic to conventional plastic materials, contributing to global sustainability goals. 

The project brings together Professor Dmitry Shchukin, from the University's Department of Chemistry and the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy (SIRE) and Professor Sergiy Minko, from the Nanostructured Materials Lab, Department of Chemistry, Franklin College and the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors, College of Family and Consumer Science at the UGA.

The international research team has been awarded approximately £670k from EPSRC whilst the NSF has committed $557,553 in support of the project, which began this autumn and will conclude on August 2027. This funding will enable researchers to explore cutting-edge techniques and materials in the field of sustainable technology. 

The project draws on Professor Shchukin's expertise in the formation of new materials under ultrasonic cavitation and Professor Minko's expertise in sustainable functional polymeric materials.  

Together, they will investigate the efficacy of ultrasonic treatment in producing high-quality bioplastics that minimize environmental impact. 

The project's output includes the introduction of ultrasonic technology for energy-saving manufacturing of new bioplastics from biomass feedstock and validation of up-scaling feasibility.

Professor Minko said: “The ongoing project is using different sources of biomass waste and side products of the agricultural, pulp and paper, and biofuel industries to improve the efficiency of biomass valorization. The research program will resolve the challenges of converting quite complex composition and variable properties lignocellulosic biomass into bioplastics for food packaging, construction materials, fibers, and other commodity plastic applications.”  

Professor Shchukin added: "The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) at UGA has played a pivotal role in facilitating this collaboration, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovative research partnerships that span across borders." 

As the project unfolds, the research teams will engage with stakeholders from academia, industry, and policymaking to promote the adoption of sustainable bioplastics as hte project aims to create a positive impact on the environment and the economy. 

The collaboration between the two research groups started in 2015 after a successful application to the University of Georgia/University of Liverpool Pump-Priming Grant Program. This was followed by a NATO grant project which was supported by the Science for Peace and Security Program (2017) which resulted in the joint EPSRC/NSF project.  

This achievement is a result of a collaborative effort showcasing the potential of international research partnerships to address pressing environmental challenges.