Murdoch University – Ecopha

Ecopha Featured in “Emerging Innovation“ Report.

Ecopha Biotech — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:19:01 +0000

Ecopha Biotech has been featured in the latest international report “Emerging Innovations, Sustainable Solutions Leading the Industry”, highlighting our breakthrough in developing compostable PHA bioplastics from pongamia oil.
Emerging Innovations Magazine Link

🔗 Source: plasticsandrubberasia.com

Emerging innovations, sustainable solutions leading the industry

Latest plastic innovations with bioplastics, biodegradables, carbon capture and PCR/PIR are driving sustainable plastics forward, according to Angelica Buan in this report.

Production of plastics has come a long way in reducing environmental impact. Advancements cover the entire lifecycle of plastics, from how they’re made to how they’re disposed of—focusing on producing fewer emissions, enhancing recyclability, and using renewable materials.

Still, scaling up sustainable plastics comes with challenges, including cost, efficiency, and technological limitations. Issues like production scalability, regulatory hurdles, cost reduction, and market acceptance remain key concerns.

Industry players are exploring new solutions to meet sustainability goals, while researchers continue developing technologies to make sustainable plastics a viable mainstream option.

Microorganisms reengineering biodegradable plastics

Biodegradable plastics break down through microbial activity, reducing waste and environmental impact. Derived from renewable resources, petrochemicals, or both, they offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

Benefits include lower emissions, reduced landfill waste, and composting compatibility, making them useful in packaging, agriculture, and waste management.

Research continues to improve biodegradation efficiency and mechanical properties to rival traditional plastics. Plus, composting can also enhance soil health.

A study by the University of Connecticut (UConn) and bioplastics manufacturer Novamont found that Mater-BiA starch-based polymer degraded by nearly 50% over nine months in a marine setting, exceeding traditional plastics. Published in the Journal of Polymers and the Environment, the study tested Mater-Bi compostable bags in seawater (excluding larger organisms that could interfere with results). The material lost 25% to 47% of its mass or area, with warmer temperatures accelerating the process.

Led by researchers Hannah Collins, Larissa Tabb, and marine sciences professor Evan Ward, the study noted that biodegradable plastics like Mater-Bi could help reduce marine plastic pollution, particularly in aquaculture applications such as kelp farm lines and oyster grow-out bags. The collaboration with Novamont provided insights into real-world biodegradation beyond controlled lab settings.

KAIST’s Microbial Innovation

Beyond biodegradation, researchers are also exploring new ways to develop bioplastics from renewable sources. Scientists at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) have created a method to produce polyester amide using microorganisms instead of fossil fuels.

KAIST has successfully developed the first microbial production of polyester amide by engineering microbes to produce nine polyester amides from glucose via fermentation.

Polyester amide, a durable plastic-nylon blend, is traditionally petroleum-based and polluting. The KAIST team engineered microbes to produce it from glucose—Earth’s most abundant biomass. Through an optimized fermentation process, they demonstrated potential for large-scale production.

Testing by the Korea Chemical Research Institute confirmed that the bioplastic has properties comparable to HDPE, making it a viable alternative to conventional plastics.

Plastics from Thin Air: Using Carbon Emissions as Feedstock

Conventional petroleum-based plastics are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, plastics account for about 8% of global oil consumption—a figure that could reach 20% by 2050 according to the World Economic Forum.

Using carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a feedstock can reduce environmental impact by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering emissions. Capturing CO₂ from industrial sources or directly from the atmosphere and converting it into polymers offers a sustainable plastic production alternative.

Fortum Recycling & Waste

Finland-based Fortum Recycling & Waste has developed the world’s first biodegradable plastic made entirely from CO₂ emissions. Their Inga polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) material is used in food packaging, electronics, and cosmetics. It is biodegradable, recyclable, and offers excellent barrier properties.

ReSource Chemical Corp

US-based ReSource is developing plastics from CO₂ and agricultural waste. Their technology is based on 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a molecule that serves as a building block for PEF, a PET resin alternative. PEF is stronger, more durable, and offers better oxygen and moisture barriers.

With funding from Chemical Ventures, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, and others, ReSource has simplified FDCA production by eliminating two-thirds of traditional steps. The tech is based on CO₂ chemistry developed at Stanford University.

FDCA plastics are also safer—FDCA occurs naturally in the human body, making it a non-toxic alternative to current additives. These materials biodegrade more easily and return to their original components faster than conventional plastics.

ReSource plans to build an FDCA pilot plant and expand into specialty chemicals to mainstream FDCA-based materials.

Seeding Innovation in Renewable Materials with Non-Food Feedstock

Materials made from corn starch, sugarcane, and algae are already reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, Australia-based Ecopha Biotech Pty Ltd claims it has achieved a world-first breakthrough by

Ecopha’s Breakthrough with Pongamia Oil

Ecopha has achieved a world-first by producing PHA from pongamia oil, a sustainable, non-edible resource derived from pongamia tree seeds.

Producing PHA from pongamia oil—a non-edible resource extracted from seeds of the pongamia tree that thrives in arid climates with minimal agricultural inputs—offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional bioplastics.

Unlike biobased plastics made from corn or soy, pongamia oil does not compete with food production. According to Dr. Wilson Ling, CEO of Ecopha, this breakthrough offers economic and environmental advantages.

The company’s patented process qualifies for carbon credits, lowering production costs and making it attractive to industries such as energy, mining, and manufacturing.

Ecopha is commercialising the technology in partnership with Australian design studio Terra Sol. Products include compostable coffee cups, biodegradable lids, eco-friendly straws, and sustainable cutlery. With increasing interest, Ecopha is poised to scale pongamia-based PHA applications.

Recycled Content for Plastic Circularity

Plastics made with recycled content are gaining traction. Repurposing post-consumer and industrial waste reduces reliance on virgin materials and promotes a more sustainable production model.

Spanish energy company Repsol and Tarragona-based Elix Polymers introduced ABS grades with 100% attributed chemically recycled content. Their E-Loop portfolio includes new grades combining both mechanically and chemically recycled materials.

Repsol supplies styrene and butadiene derived from chemically recycled post-consumer waste and bio-circular raw materials, including used cooking oil. These materials meet ISCC Plus certification under a mass balance model. Their partnership was established in 2020.

Rialti’s PP Compound Innovation

European recycled PP producer Rialti has launched PP compounds incorporating 30–40% PCR and 20–40% PIR content, offering a sustainable alternative to virgin polypropylene. These meet End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) regulations and suit applications in mobility, construction, and home use.

Since being acquired in 2023 by Austrian firm Borealis, Rialti has aligned its offerings with Borealis’ Borcycle M range. According to Shanila Baseley, Vice President of Mobility and Advanced Products at Borealis, these high-performance recycled grades help manufacturers shift toward more sustainable options.

CSIRO and Murdoch University Launch Bioplastics Innovation Hub with Ecopha Biotech as Industry Partner

Ecopha Biotech — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:47:27 +0000

🔗 Source: Bioplastics Magazine

A Major Leap Toward 100% Compostable Plastic Innovation

CSIRO and Murdoch University have launched the Bioplastics Innovation Hub, a game-changing $8 million collaboration aimed at developing 100% compostable, bio-derived plastics that break down naturally in compost, land, or aquatic environments.

This initiative brings together leading experts in:

Microbiology
Synthetic biology
Biochemical engineering
Circular economy and advanced manufacturing

“Our focus is to develop packaging that completely breaks down – sprays, films, bottles, caps, wrappers – all from sustainable materials,”
— said Prof. Andy Whiteley, CSIRO Research Program Director.

🌱 Ecopha Biotech’s Key Role: Turning Food Waste into Water Bottles

As a proud industry partner, Ecopha Biotech is co-investing in the first major project of the Hub — a breakthrough process to convert food industry waste into compostable water bottles.

“This hub meets the sector priority of boosting Australia’s biomanufacturing leadership,”
— Prof. Peter Eastwood, Murdoch University.

Strategic Goals of the Hub:

Reduce plastic waste entering Australian environments by 80% by 2030
Support the UN Global Treaty on Plastic Pollution
Help Australia meet targets in the National Plastics Plan
Train a new workforce for the green manufacturing sector

🌐 Learn more:

📸 Image Credit: Murdoch University / CSIRO

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

The Perth bioplastics hub helping to reduce plastic pollution

Ecopha Biotech — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 08:14:56 +0000

🌿 Reducing Plastic Pollution: A Sustainable Future in the Making

In partnership with Murdoch University and CSIRO, Ecopha Biotech is proud to be a key contributor to the newly launched $8 million Bioplastics Innovation Hub in Perth, as covered by SBS News.

The Hub is dedicated to developing compostable bioplastics from plant-based materials and waste products, offering a real solution to the growing plastic pollution problem. 🌍 In Australia alone, 3 million tonnes of plastic end up in landfill every year. We believe the time for change is now.

Dr. Wilson Ling, CEO of Ecopha Biotech, emphasizes the importance of collaboration:

“The success we’re seeing is because of the hard work of all the stakeholders—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.”

In just over a year, Kangaroo Blue Foundation has collected 3.5 tonnes of waste, with over 75% of debris being plastic. With compostable plastics in development, the goal is to replace single-use plastics and drive behavioral change to protect our environment. ♻️

This collaborative effort aligns with Australia’s goal of reducing plastic waste by 80% by 2030, contributing to the global push towards a circular economy.

Join us in this exciting journey toward a plastic-free future!

#Sustainability #Bioplastics #Innovation #GreenEconomy #PlasticPollution #CircularEconomy #EcophaBiotech

Source : SBS News Link

Western Australia launch of the $8 million Bioplastics Innovation Hub (BIH)

Ecopha Biotech — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 10:42:46 +0000

Western Australia is leading the charge in the national war on plastic waste with the launch of the $8 million Bioplastics Innovation Hub (BIH) at Murdoch University.

This collaborative initiative between CSIRO and Murdoch aims to revolutionise plastic packaging by developing fully compostable bioplastics that break down completely, leaving no trace.

Federal Minister for Industry and Science, The Hon Ed Husic MP, toured the BIH during Federal Cabinet’s visit to Western Australia this week. The Minister witnessed demonstrations of bioplastics under development and a soil spray with exciting applications for the agriculture and mining industries.

Minister Husic emphasised the need for innovative solutions, stating,

“Australians know we need to change the way that we make and use plastics. We are one of the biggest users of plastics in the world, but we only recycle 14%”.

Following the Minister’s visit, the University officially launched the BIH with around 80 government, university, industry, and business stakeholders in attendance emphasising the importance of collaboration in tackling the global plastics crisis.

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

SMART SPRAYS: maximising the benefits from rainfall

Sanjeewa Fernando — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:21:29 +0000

Project lead: Murdoch University

Project Overview

In broadacre crop production in Western Australia,

the average plant water use efficiency stands at just 56%. This suggests significant potential for further economic benefits if innovative solutions can be developed to capture water within the plant root zone.

Optimising water use is crucial for the region as climate predictions indicate that the south-west of Western Australia will continue to experience a drying climate and increased variability in rainfall patterns.

SMART SPRAYS will transform broadacre crop production by improving water harvesting (into furrows) and water retention (less evaporation) in regions where water efficiency is low. In doing so, the SMART SPRAYS technology will decrease the risk of plant water stress during the growing season and increase plant water use efficiency.

Expected outcomes

The project aims to illustrate the capacity for the SMART SPRAYS technology to increase rainfall capture into the soil and through to the plant.

Activity 1. This project will demonstrate and test (from laboratory to field) a non-toxic, bioplastic-based spray that forms a water barrier that can be easily applied with existing farm equipment. This technology will be assessed for its capacity to harvest rainfall from the mound into the furrow and decrease water evaporation from within the soil.

Activity 2. This project will assess the ease of use of the SMART SPRAYS technology, particularly its ability to be deployed with existing farm infrastructure with minimal modification.

Activity 3. This project will assess the capacity of SMART SPRAYS to increase crop productivity. This is of critical importance to the region as climate predictions indicate that the south-west of Western Australia will continue to experience a drying climate.

This project seeks to answer the following questions:

How can more rainfall be converted into a saleable product (food, feed, fibre, fuel)?
How can Australia combat a declining rainfall through greater retention and use of available water?

This project is supported by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, Murdoch University and the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration

Collaborators

Contact

This project is being overseen by Professor Daniel Murphy, from Murdoch University, as part of the Bioplastic Innovation Hub, a partnership with CSIRO.

Professor Daniel Murphy
Director, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems
Professor of Agricultural Microbiology, SoilsWest
Director, Bioplastics Innovation Hub

Lucy Tomassini
Project Manager, South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub

The biotech that can beat our plastic problem

Sanjeewa Fernando — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:09:41 +0000

From Nairobi to Northam, scientists are finding plastic particles falling from the sky, far from where they started life as consumer goods. It’s a warning for the world that will shape how we tackle the widespread waste we’ve created.

Professor Davey Jones from Murdoch University is leading a global study to understand how and where plastics are affecting even our most remote environments.

“Most of the plastic in the ocean comes from the land,” Professor Jones says.

“While the issues of the plastic pollution in our oceans is clear, the impact of plastic on land is largely unknown but the scale of the problem is plain to see.”

In some countries, the pollution has become so severe that when viewed from the air, land appears white because there is so much plastic.

“It’s not only the pollution we can see around us, but we’ve also discovered that microplastics are being absorbed by weather systems and distributed deep into continents across the globe.”

Professor Jones is looking at how widespread this distribution is, what path plastics subsequently take through the soil and the speed and amount of plastic that is transferring to our freshwater systems.

“We’re also looking at the contaminants – think pesticides, metals, viruses – that are travelling with these plastics and the potential for them to enter the food chain.”

It’s well known that plastics and the chemicals that leak from them are present in our food, however, scientists are just scratching the surface of how pervasive microplastics are.

“If they’re everywhere, they could be in everything,” Professor Jones said.

“The big worry is that plastic in the environment is increasing year-on-year and we have no idea what the critical threshold is at which point ecosystems or human health are affected.”

Next generation solutions

While Professor Jones’ team scopes the scale of our plastics problem, Murdoch University students are already working on the solutions.

From finding ways to completely break down waste to developing compostable bio-plastic alternatives that come from and return to the earth, the young bioplastics team is breaking new ground.

Bio-plastic production from micro-organisms is a cool process where tiny living beings like bacteria help make plastic,”
PhD student Crystal Young

These microorganisms eat renewable resources, like food waste, and turn them into plastic materials. It’s important because it provides a way to make plastic without using fossil fuels.

“My research is using microbes from extreme environments to create biopolymers, which are strong, lightweight, flexible chains of atoms that can do the same job as synthetic plastics – the difference is that they biodegrade, ” she said.

While Crystal is working with microbes as they are found in nature, PhD student Harrison O’Sullivan is exploring how to change the genetic makeup of microorganisms to produce other biodegradable products.

“Microbes can be efficient little factories, producing many important substances that we use in day-to-day life, from alcohols, to insulin and cancer treatments,” Harrison said.

“My research focuses on genetically engineering these organisms to produce a biodegradable plastic from renewable resources.”

This involves taking different genetic pieces from a range of organisms and putting them back together within a dedicated host bacteria so that it can produce the right bioplastic for industry to use.

PhD student Joseph Boctor, who has recently moved from Egypt to study with the Murdoch team, is tackling the problem from another perspective: how to break down the pollution that we’ve already created.

“We’re looking at safe and useful ways to degrade synthetic plastics made from fossil fuels that would usually take up to 1000 years to degrade, while finding a good use for the products that result from the degradation,” Joseph said.

Finding plastic degrading enzymes would allow us to get rid of conventional plastic waste without impacting our seas and soils.”
PhD student Joseph Boctor

It’s a critical avenue to address the problem, especially for Australia, which produces more single-use plastic waste per capita than any other country in the world – about 60 kilograms per person a year.

These research projects are being overseen by Professor Daniel Murphy, who leads the Bioplastic Innovation Hub established at Murdoch in partnership with CSIRO and industry.

A microbiologist and biochemist, he’s well positioned to help solve the world’s plastics problem.

“Plastic has long been a part of our everyday lives and now it’s everywhere – in the land, oceans, atmosphere, even in our food and drinks,” Professor Murphy said.

It’s got to a point where we unintentionally eat hundreds of pieces of microplastic a day, about the weight of a credit card each week.”
Professor Daniel Murphy

Changing that requires a radical change in the way we make, use, recycle and think about plastics.

“Compostable bioplastics are a game changer for overcoming this waste,” Professor Murphy said.

“I see a future where large-scale industries are growing microbes to make bioplastics. This will occur within my lifetime and gives me hope that one day we will beat plastic pollution.”

This research supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 7, 9, 11 and 14.