Project
POLYMEER aims to establish a sustainable bio-based value chain for bioplastic products, using brewers’ spent grain (BSG) as feedstock. Focused on agricultural films, brewery tertiary packaging, and automotive textiles, the project designs bioplastics to be recyclable and/or biodegradable for environmental sustainability.
Bioplastics represent just 1.5% of the annual global plastic production, which is a far lower proportion than the plastic market needs. Substantial investment and innovation are needed to advance the production of bio-based, recyclable and/or biodegradable bioplastics. Furthermore, brewers’ spent grain (BSG) is the main by-product of the brewing industry, and its production is massive.
This is why POLYMEER focuses on developing new bio-based polymers, co-polymers and polymer blends based on BSG, exploiting green, waste-minimised processes and providing high added value materials for three demanding applications: the agriculture sector, tertiary packaging, and automotive textile.
Results:
• Enhanced economic sustainability
• Reduced reliance on finite fossil resources
• Lower production costs
• Creation of new markets
The process
Expected outcomes
01
10% of BSG in Europe is used for the production of bioplastics.
02
20 industries in Europe from the bioplastic production value chain apply more sustainable methods based on POLYMEER insights.
03
30 industries in Europe produce final applications/products with POLYMEER bioplastics as their main component.
04
The three applications reach the market and reach 1,000+ potential consumers, so that:
- 5 breweries replace plastic tertiary packaging by bioplastic based on BSG.
- 50 consumers of agricultural film switch to biodegradable and BSG-based options.
- 10 automotive brands demand BSG-based textile.
Benefits to society
The project will also provide benefits to society and the environment, including:
- Improved sustainability, safety, and circularity.
- Enhanced environmental
performance across the value chain. - Public awareness and eco-conscious consumer
choices. - Economic sustainability, portfolio diversification,
higher competitiveness.