EMPHATI

PHA, which stands for polyhydroxyalkanoates, is a particularly promising group of bacterially producible thermoplastic biopolymers (polyesters). It is characterized by better biodegradability compared to other biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA).  Moreover, the structural diversity (monomers, homopolymers, random and block copolymers, functional and graft polymers, molecular weights and combinations) of PHAs, e.g. PHB, PHBV, allows the production of products with variable properties. Especially the short-chain PHAs are considered to have a high substitution potential for petroleum-based polypropylene (PP) due to their likeness. However, the rather low production volumes at comparably high production costs, which lead to higher product prices varying between 7-12 €/kg, have to be considered problematic until today. A potential approach to save costs is the incorporation of natural fibers for the production of PHA composites, without compromising the subsequent mechanical properties, while improving impact strength and biodegradability in terrestrial environments.
Therefore, the aim of this transnational project proposal is to develop new sustainable and environmentally friendly products based on PHA/PHA blends reinforced with natural fibers for selected applications in injection molding and 3D printing in the participating manufacturing companies. A supporting LCA analysis will also be conducted across the entire circular economy, starting from PHA manufacturing to end-user and end-use scenarios. The focus is on the expansion and further collaboration of Dutch and German companies and knowledge institutes. One main aspect is the formation of a cross-border cluster along the PHA value chain, linking all actors and enabling knowledge transfer.