ePharma – Ecopha

Ecopha Files PCT Patent for Pongamia Oil Biorefinery Process

Sanjeewa Fernando — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:08:49 +0000

Ecopha News • Media Coverage • Patent Filing

Ecopha Files PCT to Co-Produce Oleochemicals and PHA from Pongamia Oil

Ecopha Biotech has filed an international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application covering an integrated biorefinery process designed to produce renewable oleochemicals and biodegradable PHA bioplastics from a single sustainable carbon source.

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PCT Patent International Filing

Pongamia Primary Feedstock

PHA & SAF Dual Co-Production

Biorefinery Integrated Platform

Integrated Platform

Combining Feedstock Processing with Biotechnology

The patent filing coincides with the launch of Ecopha’s Integrated Sustainable Carbon Platform. This marks a strategic evolution from a pure bioplastics specialist into a comprehensive sustainable carbon technology company.

The newly filed PCT patent covers Ecopha's proprietary integrated process for maximizing resource efficiency to generate multiple high-value products—including oleochemicals and biodegradable PHA—from a single renewable source.

Source Type

Media Coverage

This article summarizes Ecopha's recent patent filing as originally covered by SpecialChem's material selection platform.

Feedstock Flexibility Beyond Pongamia

While developed using Pongamia oil as a foundational non-food feedstock, the Integrated Sustainable Carbon Platform is designed to accommodate a wide range of additional sustainable carbon feedstocks.

By integrating renewable fuel production, industrial biotechnology, and green chemical manufacturing, Ecopha aims to maximize carbon utilization, reduce waste, and strengthen the commercial viability of future biorefineries.

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Oleochemicals

Proprietary pathways for renewable specialty chemicals production.

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PHA Plastics

Marine and soil biodegradable bioplastics generation.

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SAF

Integrated systems to support Sustainable Aviation Fuel output.

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Flexibility

Compatible with UCO, agricultural residues, algae, and waste oils.

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The world does not simply need another bioplastics company or another sustainable aviation fuel company. It needs a new generation of sustainable carbon technology companies capable of replacing fossil carbon across multiple industries. At Ecopha, our mission is to transform sustainable carbon into the fuels, materials and chemicals society needs while maximizing the value of every carbon molecule through one integrated platform.

Dr Wilson Ling • CEO & Co-Founder, Ecopha Biotech

Aiming to Maximize Carbon Utilization

"For more than fifteen years, Ecopha has been committed to advancing biodegradable PHA bioplastics," stated Dr. Ling. The new Integrated Sustainable Carbon Platform brings together renewable fuels, industrial biotechnology, and green chemistry into one scalable solution.

Ecopha believes that future biorefineries should not produce just one product—they should maximize the value of sustainable carbon by co-producing multiple outputs from the same feedstock.

Meeting Global Demand

Global demand for renewable fuels, sustainable materials, and low-carbon chemicals continues to surge. As governments and industries aggressively pursue net-zero emissions, integrated carbon technologies are positioned to play a critical role.

Ecopha’s platform enables renewable carbon to directly replace fossil carbon across multiple massive industrial sectors, creating both immense economic and environmental value.

Explore External Coverage

Review the original media coverage detailing Ecopha's PCT filing and the launch of the Integrated Sustainable Carbon Platform.

Read on SpecialChem

Accelerating the Next Generation of Industrial Biotech

Discover how Ecopha is transforming sustainable carbon into multiple high-value products through one scalable biorefinery system.

Explore SAF Explore PHA Technology Platform

Ecopha’s Dual-Output Bioeconomy Platform: Turning Renewable Oil into Sustainable Fuel and Materials

Ecopha Biotech — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:45:44 +0000

Research & Innovation | Platform Overview

Ecopha’s Dual-Output Bioeconomy Platform

Turning renewable oil into sustainable fuel and materials through one integrated system

Ecopha Biotech is advancing a dual-output platform designed to transform renewable feedstocks into two high-value product streams: sustainable aviation fuel and PHA bioplastics. The model brings together scalability, circularity, and commercial relevance in one bioeconomy solution.

The global transition to sustainable industry requires solutions that are not only environmentally responsible, but also commercially scalable. Ecopha Biotech’s dual-output bioeconomy platform is designed with that principle in mind.

By using renewable oils such as Pongamia oil and used cooking oil, the platform supports an integrated biorefinery pathway that generates both sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biodegradable PHA bioplastics from the same feedstock base.

This creates a system where one feedstock can support two major future-facing industries – low-carbon fuel and sustainable materials – while reducing waste and improving process efficiency.

How the platform works

Step 1: Renewable feedstocks

The system is designed around non-food renewable oils such as Pongamia oil and used cooking oil, supporting sustainability, resource efficiency, and low-carbon input pathways.

Step 2: Integrated biorefinery process

Through pre-treatment, catalytic conversion, and separation and purification, the platform is designed to maximize efficiency, reduce waste, and support scalable output generation.

Step 3: Dual high-value outputs

The result is two distinct product streams: SAF biofuel for aviation decarbonisation and PHA bioplastics for compostable, microplastic-free material applications.

The two core outputs

Output 1: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

SAF is positioned as a major low-carbon pathway for aviation. Ecopha’s platform highlights SAF as a drop-in ready fuel pathway with strong long-term relevance in a decarbonising transport sector.

– Sustainable aviation fuel pathway
– Drop-in ready potential
– Reduced lifecycle emissions focus
– Global aviation relevance

Output 2: PHA Bioplastics

PHA bioplastics represent the material side of the platform, offering biodegradable, compostable, and microplastic-free alternatives for diverse applications across packaging and beyond.

– Biodegradable materials
– Compostable material pathway
– Microplastic-free positioning
– Broad application potential

Why the platform stands out

Dual-output advantage

One feedstock supports two high-value markets, improving value extraction and reinforcing platform economics.

Non-food feedstock focus

The use of Pongamia oil and used cooking oil supports sustainability goals without direct food-versus-fuel conflict.

Scalable and modular model

The platform is positioned for efficient rollout, pilot-to-commercial scale progression, and wider market deployment.

Global relevance

It addresses two major global priorities at once: aviation decarbonisation and plastic pollution reduction.

A platform built for the next phase of the bioeconomy

The strength of the dual-output model lies in its ability to combine industrial relevance with sustainability performance. Rather than viewing fuel and materials as separate pathways, Ecopha’s platform integrates them within one broader system.

This supports a future where renewable feedstocks can generate cleaner fuel, better materials, and stronger commercial value through one coordinated platform approach.

Conclusion

Ecopha Biotech’s dual-output bioeconomy platform presents a compelling model for the future of renewable industry. By transforming renewable oils into both sustainable aviation fuel and PHA bioplastics, the platform brings together circular thinking, scalable innovation, and market relevance.

As the world looks for practical low-carbon solutions, integrated systems like this will play an increasingly important role in shaping cleaner, smarter, and more resilient industrial pathways.

Suggested category: Research & Innovation

Suggested tags: Ecopha Biotech, Dual-Output Biorefinery, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, PHA Bioplastics, Bioeconomy Platform, Renewable Feedstocks, Pongamia Oil, Circular Economy

Ecopha Bio congratulates Dr. Wilson Ling on his appointment as Associate Professor at Murdoch University!

Sanjeewa Fernando — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 08:44:49 +0000

Ecopha Bio congratulates Dr. Wilson Ling

We’re thrilled to announce that our Co-founder & CEO, Dr. Wilson Ling, has been appointed as Associate Professor in the Bioplastics Innovation Hub at Murdoch University. 🎓 Dr. Ling’s extensive expertise in bioprocess engineering and biodegradable polymers will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the university’s research and development efforts.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Wilson Ling

📢 Read more about his appointment

#bioplastics #sustainability #MurdochUniversity #EcophaBiotech #innovation #research #development

CSIRO, Murdoch University launch $8M Bioplastics Innovation Hub

Ecopha Biotech — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 10:06:52 +0000

Australia’s national science agency CSIRO and Murdoch University have joined forces to establish the Bioplastics Innovation Hub,

a groundbreaking $8 million initiative aimed at revolutionising plastic packaging with the development of 100 per cent compostable bioplastics.

The Hub is set to bring together a diverse team of experts in microbiology, molecular genetics, synthetic biology, biochemical engineering, advanced manufacturing, and circular economy, the agency said in a news release.

Dr Andy Whiteley, CSIRO Research Program Director, emphasised the collaborative nature of the project, stating, “Our primary focus is the development of 100 per cent compostable, bio-derived packaging for use as sprays, films, bottles, caps, and wrappers which are engineered to fully break down in compost, land, and in aquatic environments.”

According to CSIRO, as global concerns over plastic pollution and fossil fuel depletion grow, the demand for compostable bioplastics is rapidly increasing. The Bioplastics Innovation Hub aims to meet this demand by equipping the plastics industry with the necessary tools and expertise.

“Through the Bioplastics Innovation Hub, we are focused on developing bioplastics that will help address the plastic waste problem both in Australia and globally,” said Dr Wilson Ling, CEO of Ecopha Biotech Pty Ltd, a key industry partner in the project.

The first major project under the Hub will be a collaboration with WA-based Ecopha Biotech to develop a new process for producing water bottles from compostable bioplastics derived from food industry waste.

This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastic bottles and contribute to a circular economy.

Murdoch University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research & Innovation, Professor Peter Eastwood, highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to manage the growing plastic waste crisis.

“Together with CSIRO, Murdoch University will fast-track the production of novel compostable bioplastic and introduce a green plastic to the market which will significantly minimise the requirement for non-sustainable plastic production,” Professor Eastwood said.

Meanwhile, Dr Deborah Lau, CSIRO Ending Plastic Waste Lead, stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing plastic waste.

“It is critical to address the growing problem of plastic waste and reduce its environmental footprint. This needs a systems approach, and we are developing a broad range of scientific and technological solutions for the entire plastics supply chain to support government and industry initiatives, eliminate litter, and divert plastic waste into a resource to build Australia’s circular economy,” Dr Lau explained.

The Bioplastics Innovation Hub will be based at Murdoch University’s main campus in Perth, Western Australia, and will play a crucial role in training the next generation workforce in advanced biomanufacturing.

The initiative aligns with CSIRO’s goal of reducing plastic waste entering the Australian environment by 80 per cent by 2030, supporting Australia’s commitment to the United Nations Global Treaty on plastic pollution and the Australian government’s National Plastics Plan.

Ecopha Biotech CEO, Dr Ling, underscored the collaborative success of the Hub, adding, “The success we’re seeing is because of the hard work of all the stakeholders—

The research teams at Murdoch University, the scientific expertise of CSIRO, innovators, students, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and government bodies. Together, we’re making a real difference for a more sustainable future.”

The Bioplastics Innovation Hub Launch

Sanjeewa Fernando — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 07:03:07 +0000

Ecopha Biotech Pty Ltd Partners with Murdoch University, CSIRO, and the Australian Government to Launch the Bioplastics Innovation Hub in Perth

Perth, Australia – September 3, 2024 – Ecopha Biotech Pty Ltd is proud to announce our role as the industry partner in the newly launched $8 million Bioplastics Innovation Hub at Murdoch University. The official launch, which took place yesterday, was led by the Hon. Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science, marking a significant milestone in Australia’s efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable innovation.

The Bioplastics Innovation Hub, a collaborative effort between CSIRO, Murdoch University, and Ecopha Biotech, is dedicated to the development and commercialization of 100% compostable bioplastics.

This initiative is central to the Australian Government’s goal of reducing per capita waste by 10% by 2030, addressing the critical environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution.

Minister Husic emphasized the importance of the Hub, stating, “Compostable plastic is on the frontline in the war on plastic waste, and the Bioplastics Innovation Hub will be HQ. If we get this right, we won’t just be removing millions of tonnes of microplastic from our environment. We’ll be tapping into a growing global market for these products, creating a new industry and the jobs that go with it.”

Ecopha Biotech’s contribution to this initiative focuses on converting food waste into compostable water bottles and other eco-friendly packaging solutions. Our company is committed to ensuring the successful commercialization of these groundbreaking technologies, bringing sustainable products to market and supporting the global transition to a circular economy.

Dr. Wilson Ling, CEO of Ecopha Biotech, commented, “We are proud to be a part of this transformative initiative, which not only aims to reduce plastic waste but also drives innovation and creates new opportunities within Australia’s manufacturing sector. The success of the Bioplastics Innovation Hub reflects the hard work and collaboration of all stakeholders involved, from researchers and industry experts to policymakers and entrepreneurs.”

While bioplastics currently represent just 1% of the global market, the Hub is poised to significantly boost the production and adoption of compostable plastics, meeting the increasing demand for sustainable alternatives both in Australia and around the world.

For more information on the Bioplastics Innovation Hub and CSIRO’s research to end plastic waste, please visit CSIRO’s website.

For further details about Ecopha Biotech’s involvement and our future projects, please visit Ecopha Biotech’s website or contact our media relations team at contact@ecopha.com

Ecopha Biotech Pty Ltd, to develop a new process for water bottle production using compostable bioplastics.

Sanjeewa Fernando — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 06:41:41 +0000

CSIRO and Murdoch University launch the Bioplastics Innovation Hub to end plastic waste

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and Murdoch University have launched The Bioplastics Innovation Hub, an $8 million collaboration that will work with industry partners to develop a new generation of 100 per cent compostable plastic.

The Bioplastics Innovation Hub aims to revolutionise plastic packaging by developing biologically derived plastic that can break down in compost, land, or water.

Dr Andy Whiteley, CSIRO Research Program Director, said the Hub aims to bring together experts in microbiology, molecular genetics, synthetic biology, biochemical engineering, advanced manufacturing and circular economy by translating advancements in bioplastics research to real-world applications.

“Our primary focus is the development of 100 per cent compostable, bio-derived packaging for use as sprays, films, bottles, caps and wrappers which are engineered to fully break down in compost, land and in aquatic environments,” said Dr Whiteley.

With global concerns over plastic pollution and fossil fuel depletion driving an increased demand for compostable bioplastics, the Hub will equip the plastics industry with the tools and expertise required to manufacture materials and continue to drive a plastic waste green economy.

The first key focus area will be a co-investment with WA-based biotechnology company Ecopha Biotech Pty Ltd, to develop a new process for water bottle production using compostable bioplastics derived from waste products from the food industry.

Murdoch University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research & Innovation Professor Peter Eastwood said managing the growing plastic waste crisis required innovative technological solutions, including bioplastics.

Together with CSIRO, Murdoch University will fast-track the production of novel compostable bioplastic and introduce a green plastic to the market which will significantly minimise the requirement for non-sustainable plastic production,” Professor Eastwood said.

“We also aim to assist industry in establishing an advanced biomanufacturing sector, to commercialise compostable bioplastics that meet the manufacturing design needs and certification standards for 100 per cent biodegradation.

“The outcomes of this project will boost the capability of Australia for commercial production of compostable bioplastics. In particular, the Hub meets to the sector priority of increasing technical leadership of Australian manufacturing.”

The Bioplastics Innovation Hub is based at Murdoch University’s main campus in Perth, Western Australia, and an important outcome will be the training of the next generation workforce in advanced biomanufacturing.

The Bioplastics Innovation Hub aligns to CSIRO’s aim of reducing plastic waste entering the Australian environment by 80 per cent by 2030. This initiative supports Australia’s commitment to the United Nations Global Treaty on plastic pollution and the Australian government’s