Project

BIO-PLASTIC-RISK: Biodegradable Bioplastics – Assessing Environmental Risk



Project Start: November 2020 | Project End: November 2024
Project Funder: NERC
Principal Investigator: Professor Pennie Lindeque
Other Participants: Dr Matt Cole, Dr Rachel Coppock, Dr Karen Tait

Biodegradable bioplastics (BBPs) offer promising solutions to the global plastic pollution challenge. However, our understanding of their fate in the natural environment and potential environmental effects is limited. The Bio-Risk Plastic Project brings together experts from various fields to comprehensively investigate BBPs.

The Bio-Risk Plastic Project is a 4-year research initiative led by the University of Plymouth, in collaboration with PML, the University of Bath and Lenzing AG. The project aims to address critical knowledge gaps concerning the fate and impact of BBPs in the environment.

The researchers will characterise BBPs and assess their deterioration under different environmental conditions. They will also study BBP accumulation pathways, direct toxicity on organisms, and indirect impacts on ecological processes. By gathering empirical data, the project aims to conduct risk assessments to establish safe exposure levels for BBPs and associated chemicals.