July 8, 2024

Marine-degradable PISOX polymers revolutionize sustainable packaging

Researchers at the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) bases at Amsterdam Science Park, have developed a groundbreaking class of bio- and CO2-based PISOX polymers. These polymers, which degrade in marine environments, were detailed in a recent paper published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. The discovery, made in collaboration with LEGO and Avantium, promises significant environmental benefits.

The new PISOX polymers combine high thermal and mechanical performance with the ability to degrade into CO2 and biomass under composting conditions. Unlike conventional plastics, PISOX polymers break down in soil within months and hydrolyze in water at 20°C in less than a year without enzymes. This makes them an ideal candidate for environmentally friendly applications.

Potential applications

PISOX polymers hold promise for various applications, including compostable plastic bags, mulch films for gardening, and eco-friendly packaging materials. Moreover, ongoing research explores their use in temporary artificial reefs to support marine life, which dissolve over time, and 3D-printed coffins for resomation (alkaline hydrolysis).

 

Join us in innovating sustainable solutions

We invite companies to collaborate to further explore and commercialize these innovative polymers. Your partnership can help us bring these environmentally friendly solutions to market, advancing both sustainability and business goals.

Related news

How can we help you?

Looking for partners to collaborate. Or looking for a certain expertise? Or would you like to locate your business in the Amsterdam Science Park? Drop us a line and we help you to find a perfect match.

Leo le Duc Science & Business
For business inquiries contact

Leo Le Duc

Let's connect