FOAM-UP
Fossil-based materials such as polystyrene are on the market in large volumes, while they are difficult to recycle and not biodegradable. In this project a biological alternative based on bacterial cellulose will be produced by bacteria growing on industrial waste streams.
Motivation
Fossil-based materials such as polystyrene are on the market in volumes equal to 7000 Olympic-sized swimming pools yearly, while they are difficult to recycle and not biodegradable. Foamlab B.V. is developing a biological alternative based on bacterial nanocellulose which is fully compostable and functionalized into a high-quality foam for insulation purposes. The current fermentation process is based on using pure glucose as feedstock, which limits circularity. Transitioning to sugars from industrial waste streams as feedstock offers a promising direction to enhance both sustainability and increase yield.
Goal
The objective of this project is to develop a high-performance, biobased, and fully compostable bacterial nanocellulose foam from industrial side streams. The products should offer a circular and functionally superior alternative to polystyrene. By valorizing waste streams and maximizing yield, the project aims to reduce the use of fossil-based plastics through innovative biobased solutions.
Method
Bacterial strains that produce bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) are typically not adapted to the complexity and variability of sugar mixtures obtained from industrial side streams. Therefore, we will study the genetic information from the BNC-producing strains and a genetic toolbox will be developed. Thereafter, the BNC production process and yield will be optimized via genetic engineering. The process will be optimized into a robust and high-performance fermentation process with a proof-of-concept study at 100L scale. Finally, circularity will be proven by enzymatically degrading the foams back to mono-sugars and reusing them.
Partners
Foamlab B.V. (project coordination)
HAN BioCentre & Research group Biobased Innovations
Looop B.V. will be involved in selection of the feedstocks