Microbial recycling of bio-based packaging into organic acids
Microbial fermentation converts biodegradable PLA and PHA packaging waste into valuable organic acids. Proof-of-concept studies demonstrate feasibility for upcycling bio-based polymers toward industrial-scale biopolymer recycling, supporting a circular end-of-life pathway for packaging materials. The approach uses hydrolysis followed by microbial fermentation to produce organic acids as platform chemicals.
Overview
This research program develops microbial fermentation processes to recycle bio-based packaging materials, specifically PLA and PHA biopolymers, into valuable organic acids. By treating end-of-life biodegradable plastics as a feedstock rather than waste, the approach creates a circular economy pathway for sustainable packaging. Each material of interest can be evaluated through a tailored proof-of-concept study, enabling assessment of the viability of recycling specific packaging streams into commercially useful chemical products.
Technical specifications
Core process:
- Biopolymers from PLA or PHA packaging are first hydrolyzed into their monomer building blocks
- Hydrolyzed monomers are then fermented by microorganisms into organic acids
- The approach has been validated on raw PHA and on a PLA-based end-of-life packaging sample
- Similar products of interest can be fermented and used as starting points to develop and scale microbial re/upcycling processes for biodegradable plastics
Key features:
- Applicable to multiple bio-based packaging material types
- Produces organic acids, which are valuable platform chemicals with established markets
- Builds on recently published methodologies for PLA and PHA fermentation
- Enables assessment of new end-of-life materials through custom POC studies
Technology readiness level
The technology has been validated through experimental research demonstrating the feasibility of fermenting both raw PHA and PLA-based end-of-life packaging into organic acids. The methodology follows established approaches from recent peer-reviewed studies on PLA and PHA materials. Future validation will extend the approach to additional packaging materials. The process is ready for collaborative scale-up development and pilot-scale evaluation with packaging producers and waste management partners.
About Wageningen University and Research
Wageningen University & Research is a life sciences–focused public university combined with mission-driven research institutes, integrating fundamental, applied, and field-based R&D at scale. On Wageningen Campus, companies co-locate with WUR teams and use shared pilot plants, advanced analytical labs, and controlled‑environment facilities for rapid prototyping. Being in the Food Valley cluster provides tight links to global corporates, SMEs, and startups through living labs and a strong regional talent pipeline. Research is backed by competitive funding from the Dutch Research Council, European Union programs, and national ministries, alongside significant contract research for industry. A dedicated technology transfer office and campus incubators streamline IP, licensing, and spin‑out formation for corporate partners and entrepreneurs.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Looking for
delivered to your inbox.