Summary
- Profile Type
- Technology offer
- POD Reference
- TOAT20241202024
- Term of Validity
- 2 December 2024 - 2 December 2025
- Company's Country
- Austria
- Type of partnership
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
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General information
- Short Summary
- An Austrian R&D centre offers medium-chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHAs), eco-friendly elastic biopolymers produced from waste CO2. Unlike traditional synthetic materials, mcl-PHAs are fully biodegradable and offer superior elasticity, making them ideal for various applications, including textiles, medical devices and packaging. The centre is looking for industrial partners to develop and scale mcl-PHA production while facilitating exclusive commercialisation opportunities.
- Full Description
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The increasing reliance on synthetic materials poses significant environmental challenges, particularly in terms of plastic pollution. Medium-chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHAs) have been developed as a sustainable alternative to conventional elastic materials. Produced from renewable biological resources, mcl-PHAs offer unique properties that align with the urgent need for eco-friendly solutions.
The technology was developed to address the growing concern over microplastic pollution from tyre wear and synthetic textile washing. Traditional elastics, such as spandex/elastane, are non-biodegradable and contribute to this environmental crisis. mcl-PHAs stand out due to their remarkable elasticity and flexibility, which make them suitable for applications where stretchability is essential. The developed mcl-PHA technology represents a significant advancement in the quest for sustainable materials. By harnessing renewable resources and addressing the limitations of existing synthetic options, mcl-PHAs enable solutions which are both elastic and environmentally responsible.
The key difference between mcl-PHAs and standard biopolymers, like polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), lies in their molecular structure. While PHB is brittle, mcl-PHAs are elastic and durable, thanks to their unique chain structure. This flexibility allows mcl-PHAs to withstand bending and stretching while maintaining strength.
The mcl-PHA production process developed by the Austrian R&D centre utilises CO2-rich off-gases through a highly automated lab process. This innovative approach not only reduces the reliance on fossil fuels but also transforms greenhouse gases into valuable bioplastics. The resulting mcl-PHAs are UV-stable, moisture-resistant and able to withstand high temperatures, further enhancing their suitability for various applications. Currently the development is at TRL 3 (experimental proof of concept).
mcl-PHAs can effectively replace non-biodegradable elastane in clothing, latex or nitrile disposable gloves and even serve as alternatives for tyres to combat microplastic pollution. Additionally, they can be utilised in elastic adhesives, coatings, sealants and 3D printing filaments. The versatility of mcl-PHAs opens doors to a broad spectrum of industries, including textiles, healthcare, packaging and more.
Currently, there is a pressing demand for sustainable solutions that do not compromise performance. By collaborating with this Austrian R&D centre, industrial partners gain access to customisable mcl-PHA development tailored to meet specific application requirements. This partnership bridges the gap between laboratory-scale development and industrial production, facilitating a seamless transition to market-ready solutions.
Technical requirements for the successful application of mcl-PHAs include considerations such as temperature resistance and processing conditions. Partners are encouraged to discuss their specific needs to ensure that the resulting biopolymers align with their desired product characteristics. The R&D centre wishes to work with industrial partners who can contribute to further development activities financially. Investors interested in spin-off opportunities are also of interest. - Advantages and Innovations
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Eco-Friendly: mcl-PHAs are derived from renewable biological resources and are fully biodegradable, significantly reducing plastic pollution and environmental impact compared to traditional synthetic elastics.
Superior elasticity: unlike common biopolymers like polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), mcl-PHAs offer enhanced elasticity and flexibility, making them ideal for applications requiring stretchability.
Versatile applications: suitable for various industries, including textiles, healthcare and packaging, mcl-PHAs can effectively replace non-biodegradable materials in clothing, gloves, tyres and more.
Cost-effective production: the innovative production process utilises CO2-rich off-gases, allowing for cost-effective valorisation of waste and a reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
Customisable properties: collaborating with the Austrian R&D centre enables partners to tailor mcl-PHAs to meet specific performance requirements, ensuring optimal product characteristics for intended applications.
Scalable technology: the centre bridges the gap between lab-scale development and industrial production, facilitating seamless scaling of mcl-PHA manufacturing for market readiness.
Intellectual property ownership: partners retain ownership of the intellectual property generated during collaboration, enabling exclusive commercialisation of mcl-PHA-based products.
Proven expertise: with over 30 years of experience and successful partnerships with more than 250 industry collaborators, the Austrian R&D centre provides reliable support throughout the development and commercialisation process.
By leveraging the unique properties and advantages of mcl-PHAs, partners can lead the market with innovative, sustainable products, contributing to a circular economy and addressing global environmental challenges. - Stage of Development
- Under development
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 15: Life on Land
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 14: Life Below Water
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Goal 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
- IPR status
- Secret know-how
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
- The Austrian non-profit R&D centre lacks the funding to pursue this R&D project further and they are actively seeking partnerships/technical cooperation with companies interested in developing biobased and biodegradable eco-friendly elastic polymers. Additionally, they are open to collaboration with investors and venture builders to facilitate the formation of a spin-off focused on elastic biopolymers.
- Type and Size of Partner
- SME 11-49
- SME 50 - 249
- SME <=10
- Big company
- Type of partnership
- Research and development cooperation agreement
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 06002002 - Cellular and Molecular Biology
- 03004008 - Plastics and Rubber related to Chemical Technology
- 10002003 - Capture and Storage of CO2
- 10002013 - Clean Production / Green Technologies
- 03005007 - Textile fibres
- Market keywords
- 08004004 - Other pollution and recycling related
- 08001009 - Speciality/performance materials: producers and fabricators
- 08005 - Other Industrial Products (not elsewhere classified)
- 08001016 - Commodity chemicals and polymers
- 08001018 - Polymer (plastics) materials
- Targeted countries
- All countries