A demo plant has been opened on the HVC site in Dordrecht. The aim is to produce a new natural plastic substitute from natural residues. The residues come from waste water.
The material has the advantages of plastic but not the disadvantages. It is light and mouldable. It can be processed like plastic and is fully biodegradable. As a result, the new material leaves no microplastics behind in nature.
Many possible applications
Three manufacturers will try out and apply the new natural plastic-replacer. The cooperation partners see many possibilities. Think, for instance, of biodegradable culture nets, agricultural plastic or self-healing concrete. In the future, the cooperation partners see potential for consumer applications that have a high risk of microplastics entering the environment, such as shoe soles and textiles.
Collaboration
The plant has been made possible by a unique collaboration. Both private and public sector organisations are involved in the project. They have come together to take steps towards a sustainable economy.
Pilot plant builds bridge
With the demonstration plant, the partners want to build a bridge to commercial production of the natural plastic-substitute. This will allow interested companies to test the new material. They can check whether it is possible to use it in their products as an alternative to plastic. After the demonstration phase, the aim is to scale up and set up larger installations. These should make it possible to market the natural plastic substitute.
Circular economy
The collaboration partners are pleased with the start of the demo plant. Otto van der Galiën, Wetterskip Fryslân: "We have found a natural, high-quality and therefore very valuable application. It can replace petroleum-based plastic and thus significantly reduce microplastics in the environment. We are now going to produce the product and have it tested by market parties. We are thus taking an important step forward in the circular economy."
Functioning of the process
The new material is made from natural residues. The process works as follows. Wastewater contains many fatty acids. The bacteria in the demonstration plant 'eat themselves full' of these fatty acids and convert it into a new material that can replace plastic. Just as humans store fat in the body, these bacteria then store this material as an energy reserve in their cell. This substance is extracted ('purified'), after which a powder remains. That powder can be used as a natural plastic substitute in various applications.
Sewage sludge
Theo Schots, executive board member of the Brabantse Delta water board: 'I am very proud that we as a water board were at the cradle of this great development. And that we are still making an important contribution. It gives our sewage sludge a circular purpose. The natural plastic substitute is a valuable application that can substantially reduce microplastics in the environment. So it is sustainable, circular and innovative. I am very happy with the result we have achieved together with all partners!'
Cooperation partners
The demonstration plant is being developed and realised by a partnership. This consists of the water boards Brabantse Delta, De Dommel, Hollandse Delta, Scheldestromen and Wetterskip Fryslân, knowledge centre STOWA, technology company Paques Biomaterials and sustainable energy and waste company HVC. Sludge processing North Brabant (SNB), AquaMinerals, TU Delft and Wetsus (knowledge centre for sustainable water technology) support the initiative with further knowledge development.
Source: Wetsus, Image: Monsteroi via Pixabay
