Cellulose-based soy biopolymer for sustainable 3d-printed bioplastic production

Overview

CelluSoy has developed a novel bioplastic formulation composed entirely of generally regarded as safe (GRAS) components: soy protein, recycled cellulose sourced from paper waste, and food-safe crosslinking agents. The material addresses two pressing sustainability challenges simultaneously — the diversion of paper waste from landfills and the replacement of petroleum-based plastics in packaging and rigid product applications. The biomaterial is suitable for 3D printing and moulding processes and can be processed using standard manufacturing platforms such as injection moulding.

Technical specifications

• Composition: Soy protein combined with a recycled cellulose source (paper waste) and GRAS crosslinking agents
• Processing methods: Compatible with 3D printing, moulding, and injection moulding workflows
• Curing behavior: Self-curing at room temperature produces a softer material with acceptable strength for packaging; heat-catalyzed curing at 175–200°C achieves full rigidity in approximately 10 minutes
• Mechanical performance: Compressive strength validated per ASTM D695; tensile strength validated per ASTM D638
• Biodegradation: Soil burial testing shows 51% weight loss in 14 days at 30°C and 70% relative humidity (n=3)
• Tunable properties: Additives such as PEG and sorbitol can be incorporated to adjust rigidity and meet application-specific requirements
• Safety profile: Formulated exclusively from GRAS components, supporting a non-toxic end product

Technology readiness level

The bioplastic formulation has been successfully created and 3D printed in a laboratory setting. Initial mechanical characterization (compressive and tensile strength) is complete, and soil burial biodegradation studies are underway with promising early results. Additional characterization — including cytotoxicity testing, thermal degradation profiling, and crosslinking density measurement — is planned. Integration with manufacturing platforms such as injection moulding and electron beam melting, along with full characterization of rigid mechanical properties as a function of curing temperature and time, represents the next phase of development. The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of readiness and is best suited for collaborative development and pilot validation toward packaging and rigid plastic applications.