We are looking for solutions to convert bio-based packaging back to starting materials or other high-value added chemicals (no fuels).

• Chemical Depolymerization (use of catalysts, heat, or solvents to reverse the polymerization reaction and recover the original building blocks of the polymer)
• Enzymatic Hydrolysis (catalyze the hydrolysis of the bio-based packaging, breaking it down into simpler compounds such as monomers or smaller molecules that can be further processed or utilized as high-value chemicals)
• Solvent Extraction
• Gasification: While pyrolysis is not suitable for compostable packaging made from aliphatic polyesters due to the presence of oxygen, gasification under controlled conditions can break down the material into syngas and biochar. The syngas can then be used to produce valuable chemicals through downstream processes.
• Feedstock for Chemical Reactions: The bio-based packaging can be used as a feedstock in various chemical reactions to synthesize valuable chemicals and intermediates with specific applications.
• Fermentation: In the case of certain biopolymers like PHA, fermentation processes can be employed to produce bio-based chemicals or biofuels.
• Mechanical Recycling with Chemical Modification: Mechanical recycling processes can be combined with chemical modification techniques to improve the quality and properties of the recovered materials, making them suitable for high-value applications.
• Hybrid Recycling Approaches: Combining multiple techniques, such as enzymatic depolymerization followed by chemical conversion, can optimize the recovery of valuable chemicals from bio-based packaging

• Technology should enable conversion to starting materials with high value applications.

• Proof of concept with aliphatic polyesters.
• Technology should enable separation of monomers.

• Technologies related to upgrading of biogenic waste streams into fuels.