Sustainable Polymer Development
Mapping next-generation sustainable polymer platforms for a global CPG leader to deliver PE/PP-equivalent performance with certified compostability.
Client
Global Consumer-Goods Conglomerate
Objective
Find High-Performance Compostable Polymers
Timeline
10-Week Program
Key Focus
Performance Parity & Sustainability
The Multifaceted Challenge of Replacing Plastics
Bio-based polyesters promise a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, but matching their performance without sacrificing biodegradability presents a complex challenge.
Achieving the high melt strength, impact resistance, and long-term durability of fossil-based plastics.
Sourcing bio-monomers from non-food biomass like waste oils or agricultural residues to avoid competition with food crops.
Navigating inconsistent regional industrial-compost regulations and certification systems that can delay commercialization.
Shortening the time-to-market by anticipating evolving safety and biodegradation requirements.
Key Outcomes: Market-Ready Sustainable Polymers
Our 5-phase program ranked 40 promising formulations, delivering a shortlist of 10 leading candidates with clear performance metrics and certification roadmaps.
90 MPa
Tensile Strength
Achieved by PHA/PLA block-copolymer blends, compostable within 60 days.
>70 °C
Heat Deflection
From bio-based PBS variants with industrial-compost certification.
50%
CO₂ Emission Reduction
Lifecycle-impact model showed two polymers reduced cradle-to-gate emissions vs. PE/PP.
Strategic Impact
The client launched pilot production of a recommended PHA/PLA blend in its packaging line, achieving comparable performance to PE-based films while securing EN 13432 certification. They also partnered with a regional composting operator, establishing a true closed-loop solution that aligns with corporate sustainability targets.