Battelle greenloop: pha-based recycling for SB54 compliance
Battelle GreenLoop offers a PHA-based recycling solution using hydrothermal treatment and biological funneling to deconstruct biodegradable films into monomers for re-polymerization. This process aims for SB54 compliance, ensuring biodegradability and recyclability.
Overview
Battelle GreenLoop is a groundbreaking recycling solution designed to meet SB54 compliance by ensuring both biodegradability and recyclability of biodegradable films. Leveraging a unique combination of hydrothermal treatment and biological funneling, the process deconstructs biodegradable films into chemical monomers. These monomers are then biologically upgraded into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable polymer, providing a sustainable pathway for plastic waste management.
Technical specifications
- Hydrothermal treatment: Utilizes heat and pressure to break down biodegradable films into monomers.
- Biological funneling: Converts monomers into PHAs using microbial chassis without preprocessing.
- Scalability: All process components are scalable to handle 1000s of kg per day.
- High yield conversion: Demonstrated >80% conversion of monomers into desired products with high purity.
- Compatibility: Applicable to a variety of consumer product polyesters with minimal variability between runs.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 4, having been validated in lab environments with a focus on bench-scale, proof-of-concept experiments. Future validation includes bench-scale experiments to enhance shredding, deconstruction, and monomer release processes to optimize yields and purity for lifecycle analysis.
About Battelle Memorial Institute
Battelle Memorial Institute is an independent, nonprofit applied research and technology organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, operating at scale with multidisciplinary teams and facilities across the U.S. Industry engages through contract R&D performed in collaborative laboratories, pilot‑scale testbeds, and secure environments that meet regulatory, safety, and quality needs. Experience managing U.S. national laboratories and complex partnerships equips collaborators for mission‑critical development and field deployment. Work is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Energy, Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, and Environmental Protection Agency, alongside private‑sector contracts, with a dedicated technology transfer office enabling IP, licensing, and spinouts.
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