Sustainable plastics technology
About this expertise
In short- Development of biobased and biodegradable plastics and products
- Extensive polymer synthesis, processing and characterization techniques
- Understanding and improving recycling and biodegradation processes
- System modelling on plastic recycling and accumulation in nature
In transitioning from fossil-based plastics to more sustainable alternatives, business often face complex challenges. With over 30 years of expertise in sustainable plastics technology, we support manufacturers in developing materials, processes, and products that minimize the ecological footprint of plastics. These plastics are frequently biobased, recyclable and designed not to accumulate in nature.
Biobased polymers, circular and biodegradable products
Our expertise covers plastic recycling, biobased plastics development and processing and biodegradation. We help industry and policymakers move towards a circular plastics economy by creating practical solutions and strategies that phase out fossil-based plastics.
We combine in-depth theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in the properties and processing of biobased polymers, as well as in plastic recycling. Our research spans the full material life cycle: from design and production to use, recycling, and biodegradation.
With advanced expertise and facilities, we can determine how materials and products perform during use and whether they are recyclable, compostable, and/or biodegradable under natural conditions.
We have extensive experience with all commercially available biobased polymers including biobased polyesters such PLA, PHA, PEF and PBS and thermoplastic starch and cellulose. We also process new materials that are developed in the WUR chemistry and polymer laboratories.
More about our facilities
Our facilities enable us to accelerate the development of plastics from laboratory research to pilot-scale production. We support clients in creating, processing, and testing new polymers and plastic products at various scales.
We do this in our unique Biobased Products Innovation Plant. In this multifunctional laboratory, we collaborate with R&D developers from numerous companies to convert biomass into functional and profitable biobased products.
Compounding & polymer development
We can produce new polymer formulations and blends from small laboratory batches up to industrially relevant pilot scales (0.5–1000 kg). Our extrusion and compounding facilities enable us to test additives, fillers, and new polymer combinations, ensuring scalability and performance at every step.
Product prototyping
Using our processing equipment, we can turn materials into prototypes and demonstrators for packaging, building, textile, and agricultural applications. Available techniques include:
- Injection moulding (small to medium product formats)
- Sheet extrusion and thermoforming (flat products, trays, and packaging)
- Film blowing (mono- and multilayer films, up to 5 layers)
Polymer synthesis & upscaling
We offer facilities to scale up new polymer chemistries from the lab bench to pilot production. This includes polymer reactors, twin-screw extruders, and solid state post-condensation equipment to obtain higher molecular weights.
Recycling & biodegradation testing
Our dedicated recycling lab can replicate industrial recycling processes at lab and pilot scale, allowing us to test material performance through multiple cycles. We also have advanced NIR detection systems and separation technologies to evaluate recyclability and improve material design for circular use. We assess whether materials are biodegradable in different environments (soil, marine, compost) by measuring polymer disintegration and mineralization.
Compounding Equipment (0.5–1000 kg batch size)
- Leistritz ZSE 18 HP Twin screw, 18 mm 40D
- Berstorff ZE 25 Twin screw, 25 mm 40D
- Berstorff ZE 42 Blue Power Twin screw
(All with optional side-feeders, dosing pumps for fluids, degassing units, melt pump, foam extrusion die, pelletising systems)
Product Processing Equipment
- Injection moulding: Sumitomo Demag Intelect2 75/420-250, 75 ton; interchangeable cylinders (23 g & 99 g)
- Sheet cast extrusion: Collin Teachline E 20 T extruder with 20 mm die; sheet width up to 15 cm, can be used for cast film extrusion, sheet extrusion, lamination of various materials, and extrusion coating
- Thermoforming: Formech 450DT vacuum former; forming area 430 x 280 mm
- Film blowing: Pilot-scale co-extrusion line for up to 5-layer film blowing and sheet extrusion
Polymer Synthesis & Upscaling
- 5 L polymer synthesis reactor
- Solid-state post-condensation equipment
- 15 ml XPlore twin screw extrusion equipment
Additional Processing Equipment
- Two-roll mill
- Compression moulding machines (2)
- Cutting and milling tools
- Various dryers
Recycling Laboratory
- Shredders
- Float-sink separation units
- NIR detection systems (object and flake level)
More products and services (3)
Get in touch with our expert
We help companies identify and develop sustainable, biobased alternatives to their current plastic products. Research may begin with designing new monomers and polymers and extend to pilot-scale trials at company facilities, where our experts provide on-site support.