A bioplastics innovation hub aimed at placing Western Australia at the forefront of the national war on plastic has been unveiled at Murdoch University, in partnership with the CSIRO.
The hub, an $8 million project between the university and the CSIRO, aims to revolutionise plastic packaging to develop fully compostable bioplastics which break down completely, leaving no trace.
It was opened by Federal Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic during the cabinet visit to WA this week, with the minister given a demonstration of bioplastic technologies under development.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Husic said Australians know the nation needed to change the way it used and made plastics.
“We are one of the biggest users of plastics in the world, but we only recycle 14 per cent,” he said.
“And so, finding a different way of making food wrappers, plastic wrappers, containers, items that are used in industry at scale, you’ve got to find new ways to do things.
“With this Bioplastics Innovation Hub here in Western Australia, this State can be at the forefront of coming up with new ways to make biodegradable plastics.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks told the audience developing alternatives to fossil fuel-based plastics was fundamental to the health and welfare of every living thing on our planet.
“For Murdoch, the important research being conducted by the Bioplastics Innovation Hub reflects our core values as a university,” he said.
“From our foundation almost 50 years ago, Murdoch has always been associated with the environment and conservation – and one of our key strategic themes is focused on Sustainability: creating solutions for a better and more sustainable world.”
CSIRO executive director environment, energy and resources Dr Peter Mayfield said three million tonnes of plastic packaging was being sent to landfill each year – equivalent to 200 billion chip packets.
He also said that number was expected to double by 2040.
The Hub is also working with industry to boost Australia’s biomanufacturing industry.
Among the industry partnerships is Ecopha, which is seeking to develop a new process for water bottle production using food waste.
