Biopolymers from advanced lactose valorisation
EggPlant offers a sustainable bioplastic solution using proprietary technology to convert dairy wastewater into PHA bioplastics through a zero-waste process. This approach addresses environmental issues related to wastewater disposal and plastic pollution.
Overview
EggPlant presents an innovative solution for the production of biodegradable bioplastics using advanced lactose valorisation. The proprietary technology effectively transforms dairy industry wastewater and byproducts into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a bio-based and biodegradable plastic. This zero-waste process not only mitigates environmental challenges associated with wastewater disposal but also reduces reliance on hydrocarbons-based plastics. The bioplastic produced can be adapted for various commercial applications, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.
Technical specifications
EggPlant's technology involves a two-phase process: firstly, membrane filtration is used to separate relevant chemical components from wastewater. These components feed specialized bacteria capable of producing PHA through fermentation. Key advantages of this process include:
- Production of high value-added side products like pure water and proteins
- Increased yield compared to traditional methods
- Reduced fermentation volumes by 75%
- Standardized input and output processes
- Potential for tailored PHA copolymers (e.g., PHB, PHBV)
The process benefits from the expertise of Granarolo Spa, Italy's largest dairy corporation, and utilizes high-producing bacterial strains optimized for lactose metabolism.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 6, EggPlant's technology has undergone lab-scale fermentation trials and is moving towards pilot-scale testing. The comprehensive validation plan includes feedstock analysis, lab and pilot-scale fermentation, PHA extraction, and product characterization, aiming to optimize production parameters and ensure product quality.
About EggPlant
EggPlant is an Italian startup that specializes in the production of advanced bioplastic-based solutions through a proprietary, zero-waste technology. By utilizing wastewater from the agri-food industry as a raw material, the company produces polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a fully bio-derived and biodegradable bioplastic. This process is built on principles of circular economy and biomimicry, effectively repurposing industrial waste into high-performance materials. Beyond the core bioplastic production, the company has developed integrated technology platforms that include conductive bioplastics, active packaging, and applications for sectors such as electronics, biomedicine, agriculture, and aerospace.
This technology addresses critical environmental challenges by simultaneously mitigating issues related to wastewater disposal and reducing reliance on traditional hydrocarbon-based plastics. By transforming waste into a valuable resource, EggPlant supports industries in achieving greater economic and environmental sustainability. The company, headquartered in Polignano a Mare, Puglia, operates with the vision of eliminating the conventional concept of waste, aiming to contribute to a balanced and responsible development model for both industry and society.
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