Rebiolution

From Plastic Pollution to Circular Solutions: Join the STOPP and REBIOLUTION Final Event

CTA_Estibaliz — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:00:38 +0000

The transition towards more sustainable and circular packaging requires more than new materials or technologies. It also calls for a better understanding of environmental impacts, effective solutions across the packaging lifecycle, and stronger connections between research, industry and policy.

On 3 December 2026, the STOPP and REBIOLUTION projects will come together in Brussels and online for their Joint Final Event, “From Plastic Pollution to Circular Solutions”, bringing together experts and stakeholders to explore how European research and innovation can contribute to the future of sustainable packaging.

The event will provide an opportunity to discover the key results and insights emerging from both projects, covering complementary approaches to some of the challenges facing the packaging sector today. From reducing the environmental impact of plastic packaging and exploring reuse and recycling solutions to developing bio-based and biodegradable materials, the programme will showcase how research can contribute to more circular approaches.

Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the environmental, technical and policy dimensions of these solutions, including questions around sustainability assessment, biodegradation, recycling and the challenges associated with packaging applications that are difficult to recycle. For REBIOLUTION, this will be an opportunity to share the progress and results achieved in the development and assessment of novel fully bio-based and biodegradable polyester blends for food packaging and agricultural applications.

A key focus of the event will be the connection between research evidence and European policy. Through a dedicated keynote and an exchange with stakeholders from different parts of the packaging value chain, the event will explore what policymakers need from European research and innovation projects and how scientific results can better support the development and implementation of sustainable packaging solutions.

The event will also create space for open dialogue and networking, bringing together researchers, industry representatives, recyclers, policymakers, academia, consumer and civil society organisations, as well as other European research projects. These different perspectives will help address not only what solutions are being developed, but also what is needed to accelerate their uptake and move from research results towards real-world impact.

The Joint Final Event reflects the complementary perspectives of STOPP and REBIOLUTION while creating a broader space to discuss the future of packaging in Europe. By bringing together evidence, innovation and stakeholder experience, the event aims to contribute to the ongoing conversation around how to reduce plastic pollution and advance towards more sustainable and circular packaging systems.

Join us in Brussels on 3 December 2026 to discover the latest results from STOPP and REBIOLUTION, exchange perspectives with experts and stakeholders, and discuss the role of European research and innovation in shaping the next generation of sustainable packaging solutions.

3 December 2026
09:00–16:30 CET
Warwick Grand-Place, Brussels

Registration is open.

The post From Plastic Pollution to Circular Solutions: Join the STOPP and REBIOLUTION Final Event appeared first on Rebiolution.

REBIOLUTION joins webinar on Safe and Sustainable by Design for Bio-based and Circular Materials

CTA_Estibaliz — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:57:22 +0000

The REBIOLUTION project will participate in the upcoming webinar “SSbD in Practice: Lessons from European Projects on Bio-based and Circular Materials”, taking place online on 30 June 2026 at 13:00 CEST.

The event will bring together several European research and innovation projects working on bio-based and circular materials to exchange experiences on the practical implementation of the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework. The webinar will feature contributions from projects belonging to the Bio4Pack cluster, including REBIOLUTION and VISS, alongside projects from the PHAntastic cluster, namely VINNY, BioVive and Agro4Agri.

As sustainability and safety become increasingly important drivers of innovation, the SSbD framework offers a structured approach to ensure that new materials, products and processes are designed with environmental, social and economic considerations in mind from the earliest stages of development.

During the webinar, participants will explore how different projects are integrating SSbD principles into their research activities and product development strategies. The discussion will cover a variety of topics, including:

The social dimension of Safe and Sustainable by Design;
Practical approaches to implementing SSbD in different project contexts;
The use of databases and screening tools to support early-stage assessments;
The development of indicators and methodologies for future sustainability and safety evaluations;
Key challenges, opportunities and lessons learned from ongoing research projects.

For REBIOLUTION, participation in this event represents an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and collaborate with other European initiatives committed to advancing innovative, circular and sustainable bio-based solutions. By exchanging best practices and experiences, the participating projects aim to contribute to the wider adoption of SSbD principles across the bio-based sector and support the transition towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient European economy.

The webinar is open to all stakeholders interested in bio-based materials, circular economy solutions, sustainability assessment and innovation policy.

Register now and join the discussion on how safety and sustainability can be integrated into the design of tomorrow’s bio-based materials and products.

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REBIOLUTION contributes to advancing safe and sustainable bio-based polymers at Polymers 2026

CTA_Estibaliz — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:12:32 +0000

dvancing sustainable and circular polymer solutions was at the heart of discussions during the 4th edition of Polymers: From Sustainability to Smart Systems 2026, held from 8 to 10 April 2026 in Lisbon. The international conference brought together researchers, innovators and industry representatives to exchange knowledge on the latest developments in sustainable polymer science, smart materials and circular innovation.

As part of this key event, REBIOLUTION joined a joint EU workshop co-organised by the projects ViSS, ANIPH and PHAntastic, together with sister initiatives from the BIO4PACK cluster, including MAGNO and STOPP. The session, titled “Safe and Sustainable Bio-Based Polymers: From Design to End-of-Life in Circular Value Chains”, provided a valuable platform to showcase European research driving the transition towards safer, circular and bio-based materials.

Showcasing REBIOLUTION’s latest achievements

During the workshop, Yannik Matt presented REBIOLUTION’s latest progress in the successful generation and scale-up of innovative bio-based polyesters. His presentation highlighted the project’s achievements across the full value chain, from material production to product development.

Among the key outcomes presented were:

The production and delivery of more than 500 kg of FDCA to BASF.
Laboratory synthesis of around 30 polyester formulations using a Design of Experiment approach, leading to the selection of two final polyesters.
Successful polyester scale-up to more than 750 kg, alongside polyester blending activities.
Development of extrusion paper coatings, resulting in several kilometres of coated paper boards.
Film blowing trials producing more than 600 metres of blown mulch films.
Conversion of coated paper into coffee cups and trays.
Ongoing work on repulping in lab and pilot scale, recycling strategies, and life cycle assessment and policy recommendations.

The presentation also highlighted REBIOLUTION’s strong progress in biodegradation studies. Miriam Weber shared the project’s work on test methods and standards for biodegradation in aquatic systems, including enzymatic hydrolysis of polyesters, soil degradation studies, and biodegradation testing under controlled composting conditions according to EN 13432. Concluding studies are also underway to assess biodegradation in soil, freshwater and marine environments.

Dialogue on circularity, standards and policy

Following the presentations, the workshop opened the floor to an engaging discussion on key challenges for the sector, including:

How to effectively implement the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework in bio-based polymers.
The need for harmonised testing methods and standards for biodegradability across environments.
How to ensure that research results and industrial data are effectively translated into policy recommendations and market uptake.

The session was moderated by Christian Lott, who also closed the workshop by underlining the importance of continued collaboration across European projects to accelerate circular innovation.

Valuable networking opportunities in Lisbon

Beyond the workshop, the conference poster session — held alongside the coffee break area — created an excellent opportunity for networking and in-depth technical discussions. REBIOLUTION partners exchanged views with fellow projects, including STOPP and VTT, on topics such as SSbD implementation, circular value chains, and end-of-life solutions for bio-based materials.

The event also reinforced the importance of feeding robust scientific data into policymaking processes. Discussions with project advisor Salima Abu Jeriban offered useful insights on how European research projects can better connect with policymakers and contribute to future regulatory frameworks.

Overall, Polymers 2026 was a highly valuable opportunity for REBIOLUTION partners to meet, exchange experiences and strengthen synergies with other European initiatives working towards a more sustainable plastics sector.

The consortium warmly thanks the organisers and all participants for a successful workshop — and for the opportunity to connect in the inspiring setting of Lisbon.

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Minute Matters: Making microbes thrive to help agriculture

CTA_Estibaliz — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 09:10:31 +0000

The impact of plastic on the environment goes beyond mounds of trash, lost plastic bags in a field, or a tortoise stuck on a plastic wrap. If you have followed the ReBIOlution project for a while, you are likely familiar with the term “plasticulture”. It refers to a type of agriculture using large quantities of plastic. And that plastic may pollute the environment, but it hurts more than meets the eye. In this article, we look towards the impact of plastics and biodegradable plastics on the smallest living organisms in agriculture: microbes.

Why should we care about microbes in agriculture?

Microbes have a hand in everything related to soil and agriculture. The classification of “soil microbiome” refers to the microbial community that lives in soil. They decompose organic matter, cycle nutrients, suppress pathogens, and even help plants withstand stress. Plants and microbes often thrive together, with symbiotic relationships where fungi in roots help plants get the nutrients needed from the atmosphere. And even if they don’t help each other, plants and soil microbes are neighbours. A thriving soil microbiome means healthier crops, higher yields, less fertilizer needed, and resilient farms. 

How do plastics affect the soil microbiome?

It should come as no surprise that covering the soil with plastic mulch, covering tents with plastic insulation to make greenhouses, and other plasticulture practices, all affect the soil microbiome, and often not for good.

Soil covered with plastic mulch may have a shift in acidity and pH, as microbes and plants release chemicals into the atmosphere, but they become trapped by the plastic. The increase in heat might also drive microbes to stress and release harmful molecules, or for only certain species to thrive, creating an imbalance. This can result in problems for plant growth.

When the plastics are exposed to the sun and water, harmful chemicals might leach into the soil. And when plastics break, they can contaminate the soil with microplastics and even more chemicals. This can all be harmful for microbes that often help plants grow, or make harmful microbes thrive.

Are biodegradable plastics gentler with the soil microbiome?

When farmers use biodegradable plastic films as mulch, the initial effect is much like conventional plastics, altering soil temperature, moisture, and gas exchange. Then, biodegradable films are tilled into the soil after use, where they become a direct food source for microbes.

While most studies suggest that biodegradable plastics do not cause acute toxicity to soil organisms or plants, there are still questions left to answer. These plastics are broken down by microbes, but very small particles may remain from some types of biodegradable plastics. There is also evidence that constant use of biodegradable plastics can increase microbial biomass, as they degrade the plastic, potentially changing the microbiome and soil properties over time.

The ReBIOlution approach

At ReBIOlution, we work to ensure that our materials both solve the problem of plastic pollution and also support soil health. We do this by performing rigorous testing of our biodegradable plastics in soil samples.

First, at smaller scales, we test how they degrade in soil and water, and how they can be recycled. If and when we find them safe for the environment, we move on to larger testing sites.

We want to comply with the European regulations as well. The European Union and other regions are tightening regulations on plastic use in agriculture, demonstrating the soil safety of new materials is more important than ever. Certifications such as EN 17033 require evidence that biodegradable plastics do not harm soil health or biodiversity. At ReBIOlution, our science-based approach helps us meet these standards. It also aims to build trust with farmers and consumers seeking truly sustainable solutions.

The true ReBIOlution: making plastics that help microbes

So where does all this science lead us?  For us, the ultimate goal is to create materials that do more than just disappear. They should actively benefit the soil microbiome and, by extension, the entire agricultural ecosystem. Imagine bioplastics that deliver nutrients to beneficial microbes, suppress soil-borne diseases, or even enhance plant growth.

That may seem far-fetched, but it is not. By weaving nutrients, molecules that boost growth from the right microbes, and slow-release pesticides into biodegradable plastics, we can achieve all this. That is the vision driving innovation at ReBIOlution.

Minute matters

Even things too small to see with our eyes are crucial for a healthy and sustainable agriculture and planet. The intersection of soil microbiome and biodegradable plastics is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture. At ReBIOlution, we focus on soil health in our material design, testing, and deployment. We want to stop plastic pollution and help agriculture from its base and roots. The most critical part of anything is its foundation. Let’s not forget about the soil and the microbes that allow plants to grow healthy and feed us.

Author: Darío Sánchez

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EU Green Deal Targets Create a €3.5 Billion Opportunity for Biodegradable Plastics by 2033

CTA_Estibaliz — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:59:49 +0000

The European Union’s ambitious Green Deal targets are reshaping the plastics industry, and biodegradable materials are positioned to capture a significant market opportunity. Europe’s biodegradable plastics market is projected to grow from €1.39 billion in 2024 to €3.53 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of 10.93%. This expansion isn’t driven by replacing recyclable materials, but rather by addressing applications where the EU’s waste hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle) reaches its practical limits.

This is exactly where ReBIOlution comes in.

Recycling isn’t Enough: The Reason Behind Regulations

The EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan establishes a clear waste hierarchy: prevention and reduction come first, followed by reuse, then recycling, and only after these options are exhausted should alternative solutions like organic recovery be considered. The European Commission’s 2022 policy framework on biobased, biodegradable, and compostable plastics explicitly states these materials should be used “when reduction, reuse, or recycling is not feasible”.

The current manufacturing of plastics is based on fossil fuels. This policy is a pragmatic recognition that replacing all current industry is not viable, but certain applications create insurmountable recycling challenges. Two sectors stand out: food packaging with paper coatings and agricultural mulch films.

Agricultural mulch films illustrate the problem perfectly. They are used in fields to improve crop growth. After harvest, recovered mulch films contain 30 to 80% contamination from soil and plant residues by weight. Recycling facilities require contamination levels below 5%. The cleaning process is technically difficult and economically unviable, meaning most conventional plastic mulch either accumulates in landfills or remains in fields, fragmenting into microplastics that contaminate the ground for years or even centuries.

In Europe, approximately 950,000 hectares of agricultural soil are contaminated by plastic residues, and only 24% of agricultural plastics are recycled. You can’t reduce the use of mulch films, as farmers need them for moisture retention and weed control. You can’t reuse them, because they work only for a single season. And you can’t effectively recycle them, as soil contamination makes this nearly impossible. This is precisely why we at ReBIOlution focus on developing biodegradable mulch films that address the problem, as bioplastics can help where fossil-fuel plastics fall short.

For food packaging, particularly paper-based materials with plastic coatings, the mechanical recycling challenge stems from the difficulty of separating multi-layer materials and contamination from food residues. The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), from 2024, mandates that all packaging be 100% recyclable by 2030, yet acknowledges that certain applications benefit from biodegradable alternatives when recycling infrastructure cannot effectively handle them.

Benefits of biodegradable solutions in the regulatory landscape

The PPWR creates concrete milestones that favor biodegradable solutions in targeted applications. The regulation requires packaging waste reduction of 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040 compared to 2018 baselines.

For paper packaging with plastic barrier coatings (used extensively in food service and takeaway applications), biodegradable coatings offer functionality without compromising the paper recyclability.

The EU Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR), amended in October 2024, now allows certified soil-biodegradable mulch films to carry the CE mark as “soil improvers”. This regulatory recognition transforms biodegradable mulch from an experimental alternative to an approved solution.

It affects other areas too, especially single-use plastics. Bans and harsher regulations on those are intensifying and pushing manufacturers towards compostable and biodegradable alternatives in everything from cutlery and plates to containers. Global bioplastics production capacity is set to increase from 2.47 million tonnes in 2024 to 5.73 million tonnes by 2029, with packaging remaining the largest segment at 45% of the market.

ReBIOlution’s Strategic Position in Priority Applications

At ReBIOlution, our focus on FDCA-based polyester blends directly addresses two EU-identified priority applications: food packaging coatings and agricultural mulch films.

FDCA (2,5-furandicarboxylic acid) serves as the building block for polyethylene furanoate (PEF) and related polyesters. PEF shows superior barrier properties compared to conventional PET. It is a 10 times better oxygen barrier, 6 to 10 times better CO₂ barrier, and twice the water vapor barrier. These characteristics make FDCA-based materials particularly suitable for food packaging applications where extended shelf life is critical. They don’t replace fossil-fuel plastics, they improve them.

For agricultural mulch films, we’re designing materials to be fully biodegradable in multiple environments, including home and industrial composting, and soil and fields, while maintaining the agronomic performance farmers expect. This addresses the core challenge we mentioned earlier: conventional plastic mulch cannot be reduced, cannot be reused, and cannot be effectively recycled. Biodegradable alternatives don’t circumvent the waste hierarchy. They acknowledge where it ends, and something new is needed.

Our emphasis on both biodegradability and recyclability reflects the EU’s nuanced approach. Where collection systems exist and materials can be effectively sorted, mechanical recycling remains preferred. But for dispersed agricultural applications and contaminated food packaging, biodegradation provides the circular pathway that mechanical processes cannot.

Market Infrastructure and Investment Trends

Europe’s bioplastics production capacity reached 0.67 million tonnes in 2025 and is forecast to reach 1.54 million tonnes by 2030, supported by investments in PLA, PHA, and bio-based PE production.

PEF specifically, while still in early commercialization stages, is attracting significant investment. The global PEF market was valued between $21.3 and $34.34 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $47.2 to $73.78 million by 2032-2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.3%.

Globally, the biodegradable plastics market is expected to reach $19.41 billion by 2033, with Europe representing a substantial share. The growth reflects not just regulatory pressure but also consumer demand. People and sustainability-conscious businesses increasingly prioritize and request materials that align with circular economy principles.

Recycling and Biodegradable Plastics Complement Each Other

The EU’s framework positions biodegradable plastics as complementary to, not replacements for, recycling infrastructure. The waste hierarchy remains intact. The ReBIOlution approach (developing materials for applications where reduce, reuse, and recycle are not enough) aligns with this policy intent.

As the PPWR’s 2030 deadlines approach, manufacturers in food packaging and agriculture will face a choice: continue with conventional plastics that generate unmanageable waste, or transition to certified biodegradable alternatives that close the loop through organic recovery. Market projections suggest the decision is already being made. The €3.5 billion opportunity represents not speculative growth, but the quantified response to regulatory mandates and technical necessity.

Our FDCA-based polyesters are positioned at the intersection of these trends. Bio-based sourcing from renewable feedstocks. Biodegradability verified across multiple environments. Performance characteristics that meet or exceed conventional materials. As the EU’s circular economy matures, these materials won’t be alternatives. They’ll be requirements.

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BIO4PACK Cluster Workshop: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Food Packaging

CTA_Estibaliz — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:36:33 +0000

On Thursday, 6 November, the BIO4PACK Cluster Workshop brought together researchers, innovators, policymakers, and industry representatives to exchange knowledge and perspectives on how science and collaboration can accelerate the transition towards sustainable and circular food packaging in Europe.

Over the course of 90 minutes, participants gained an overview of the four Horizon Europe projects that form the BIO4PACK Cluster — ViSS, REBIOLUTION, STOPP, and MAGNO — all working to reduce dependence on fossil-based plastics, promote circular design, and ensure packaging safety for people and the planet.

The session was moderated by Dr. Wael Hamd, Professor at the University of Balamand (Lebanon) and partner in the MAGNO project, who guided the discussion through project presentations and interactive exchanges among participants.

Each project shared its own contribution to the packaging transition:

ViSS presented its advances in developing sustainable packaging materials and solutions designed to meet industrial performance requirements while reducing environmental impact.
REBIOLUTION introduced its work on next-generation biopolymers and the innovative pathways it is developing to replace fossil-based plastics in packaging.
STOPP showcased its cutting-edge research on recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable food packaging, demonstrating how packaging can be designed to close the loop and reduce waste.
MAGNO shared its approach to integrating digital tools such as traceability systems and digital twins to improve recycling efficiency and decision-making.

Together, these initiatives demonstrated how European research is driving innovation in materials science, circular design, and smart technologies, all essential to shaping a more sustainable future for food packaging.

Watch the webinar here

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REBIOLUTION’s consortium gathered for its third General Assembly at the facilities of NORMEC OWS in Ghent, Belgium.

CTA_Estibaliz — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:18:41 +0000

During the first day, partners presented and discussed the latest progress across the different work packages, sharing results, challenges, and upcoming actions within the project. Afterwards, participants enjoyed an insightful tour through the NORMEC OWS facilities, gaining first-hand insight into the advanced methodologies and technologies used to assess biodegradability and compostability. The day concluded with a guided tour through the beautiful city of Ghent, offering a great opportunity for informal networking among partners..

On the second day, discussions continued focusing on the remaining work packages and the definition of next steps for the upcoming period.

The meeting reinforced collaboration within the consortium and strengthened the collective commitment to REBIOLUTION’s mission: developing sustainable, non-toxic, recyclable, and biodegradable materials that contribute to Europe’s transition towards a circular economy

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BIO4PACK Cluster Workshop: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Food Packaging

CTA_Estibaliz — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:34:39 +0000

The REBIOLUTION project is proud to take part in the upcoming BIO4PACK Cluster Workshop: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Food Packaging, an online event that will bring together leading European initiatives working to transform the packaging sector. The workshop will take place on Thursday, 6 November, from 12:00 to 13:30 (CET) and will gather researchers, innovators, industry representatives, and policymakers to explore the next generation of sustainable food packaging solutions.

A united effort for a circular and bio-based future

The BIO4PACK Cluster brings together four ambitious Horizon Europe projects — ViSS, REBIOLUTION, STOPP, and MAGNO — all sharing a common mission: to revolutionize food packaging. Through innovation in materials, processes, and digital technologies, the cluster aims to accelerate the transition toward greener, safer, and smarter packaging systems, reducing dependence on fossil-based plastics and advancing circularity across the value chain.

About the workshop

Moderated by Dr. Wael Hamd, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Balamand (Lebanon) and key contributor to the MAGNO project, the workshop will serve as a collaborative space where each project will share its latest achievements, identify synergies, and discuss how to align innovation with European sustainability and safety standards.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

Discover breakthrough innovations in bio-based and circular food packaging.
Engage directly with experts and project leaders at the forefront of sustainable materials science.
Contribute to the discussion on future standards and policies for packaging in Europe.

Date: Thursday, 6 November 2025
Time: 12:00 – 13:30 (CET)
Format: Online
Registration here

About the BIO4PACK Cluster

The BIO4PACK Cluster unites four Horizon Europe projects around five shared objectives:

Replacing fossil-based plastics with bio-based materials.
Designing packaging for circularity from the start.
Ensuring safety and transparency for people and the planet.
Harnessing smart technologies to enhance traceability and recycling.
Contributing to European standards and policies that promote sustainable packaging.

Together, these projects represent a strong collaborative network driving the green transition in the food packaging sector, fostering innovation and setting the foundations for a new generation of sustainable materials across Europe.

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Advancing circular economy practices with biodegradable mulch films

CTA_Estibaliz — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:46:44 +0000

Europe produces millions of tonnes of waste every year, much less than what it recycles. To deal with the issue and grow in a more sustainable way, the European Union (EU) launched the European Green Deal. It includes a circular economy action plan. In this article, we take a deeper look into the issues of circular economy within plastic use, and how European projects like ReBIOlution are first in line to provide actionable solutions for a more sustainable economic growth.

What is the circular economy?

The term “circular economy” probably rings a bell. But it is more than a pretty idea. In short, it is a product design style that emphasises that once products are used, they can still have a positive impact. This comes from the “three Rs”, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, which indicate that product use must be reduced, they must be usable as many times as possible, and recycled when using them is no longer possible, to make other products with their materials.

While we must do our best to apply the three Rs to current products, it is even more important that we design new products with the circular economy idea in mind. Designing biodegradable plastics that can be manufactured from waste, or can be reused many times, are all ideas that move us towards a circular economy.

EU regulations and goals

So what is all this for? With the European Green Deal, the EU aims to move Europe to be the first climate-neutral continent in the world. The goal is to have no net emissions of greenhouse gases (including CO2) by 2050 and to decouple economic growth from resource use. This means that growth should not be based on more consumption of the limited materials we have on Earth. The circular economy principles are key to this goal.

For that, it both regulates and invests. Regulations on the Circular Economy Action Plan include monitoring material footprint and consumption footprint on the environment. Analysis of the life cycle of products is also used to know which products are more efficient and sustainable. Investment comes in the form of economic help to producers who align with circular economy guidelines, and to projects aiming to develop new solutions. That is where ReBIOlution comes in.

Circularity and bio-based products

A direct solution to advance the circular economy is to make products bio-based. Products made of plant materials can come from sustainable farming practices, and once used, they tend to be biodegradable. This means that, even if we cannot reduce, reuse, and recycle, the products can fertilise the soil for a new crop of plants, which can be made into similar products. Circularity at its finest!

Of course, biodegradable products also represent safer alternatives. If they are not recycled, they will still break down, reducing pollution and increasing safety.

Biodegradable plastics made from waste

ReBIOlution is first in line to help move Europe towards a circular economy, where we can keep growing without burning and polluting our one planet, Earth. The focus of the project is on making biodegradable plastics. Why plastics? There are many contaminant and non-degradable materials, but plastics are normally made from fossil fuels as well. At ReBIOlution, we research, test, and make, biodegradable plastics made from biomass.

This means that our plastics are made from plant matter, specifically plant waste. We make sure that resources that previously were going to be discarded, now become valuable plastic products. This way, we reduce the use of fossil fuels, make a biodegradable alternative, and do so from previous waste.

From the soil to the soil

One of the more important goals is to replace agricultural plastic. Plastic mulch is a cover for plants that is used in agriculture. Said plastic is often not recycled or even recovered and ends up polluting the soil and the crops we feed on.

What a more fitting solution than to make a biodegradable plastic mulch from plants, for plants? This way, the plastic can be used in agriculture and then discarded. It will break down due to its biodegradable nature and add nutrients to the soil. Then, with the leftovers of the crops, we can produce more, creating value at no cost to the environment. This is the core of ReBIOlution’s mission.

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