Biomaterials for The Circular Economy and The Life-Restart Project

Due to the serious environmental pollution problems caused by the huge production of fossil-based plastics (FBP) in a linear economy model without proper waste recovery, it is necessary to shift scientific interest towards the study of new renewable and sustainable bioplastics, of biological origin and/or biodegradable for the protection of the planet we live in. Among the various projects co-financed by the European Community to push scientific research in this direction, the project "Life Restart" - (Reuse of bEer SpenT gAin for bioplasTics), was interested in the development of some bioplastics (bio-derived and/or biodegradable) to produce mixtures of bioplastics and industrial waste from the agri-food sector. Waste becomes a new resource in the perspective of a circular economy. This allows us to consume less bioplastics, whose cost is much higher than fossil-based plastics, containing production costs. The project partners/stakeholders have produced the first prototypes of plant pots with the bio-compound mixtures. The mechanical tensile performance of these pots were compared with those of commercial pots made with fossil-based plastics. The bio-composite pots have demonstrated good mechanical resistance to traction compared to commercial pots, with the added advantage of their biodegradability in the soil, completing the life cycle of the product.