The medical and research sector uses billions of culture trays annually, primarily made of non-renewable polystyrene (PS), which are typically incinerated after use. This project aims to replace PS with polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a biobased and biodegradable plastic produced by bacteria. PHA offers a circular, renewable alternative to conventional plastics, reducing the significant waste stream from research disposables. The goal is to develop culture trays from PHA that match the performance and results of current PS trays, addressing the urgent need to reduce plastic waste in the biomedical field.
The push for sustainability, driven by environmental concerns and tightening regulations, motivates companies to innovate. Replacing polystyrene with circular plastics like polyhydroxyalkanoates can inspire similar changes in other plastics and applications. This shift promotes a circular economy, reducing waste and fostering continuous innovation in production processes and waste management, and it is in line with government policies which continue to tighten regulations to motivate sustainability even more strongly.
Regional knowhow comes together to pave the way forward
The project will be executed through a public-private partnership in the Northern Netherlands, involving partners across the entire development, production, manufacturing, and usage chain. The Northern Netherlands serves as an ideal testing ground to market innovation globally upon success.
The regional partners are supported by Empowermi BV and include: BiomACS BV, a company that specialized in development of PHA cell culture system, ElboTechnics known for development production process culture systems and scale-up, Mediaproducts, a company that makes filled petri dishes for diagnostics used by large diagnostic enterprises, together with the UMCG academic department Biomaterials & Biomedical Technology, bringing its expertise in pond test comparison of products between PS and PHA systems for cell and bacterial culture.
This project shows how the Northern Netherlands can set an example. The technology, production and use of PHA is strongly represented in the region by Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) and larger companies, which operate globally from the three northern provinces. Roderick de Hilster, Senior Product Manager at BiomACS says: “This initiative showcases the strength of our collaborative approach, uniting regional expertise to drive global sustainability efforts and set new standards for environmental responsibility in biomedical research."
The Just Transition Fund for sustainability
The project is made possible by the Just Transition Fund which aims to advance the green and sustainable development of the Drenthe, Groningen, and Fryslân Provinces, the Municipality of Emmen, and the Northern Labour Market regions. The fund is co-financed by the European Union and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and is made available by the regional funding agency Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland (SNN).
BiomACS BV: Development of PHA cell culture system similar to PS.
ElboTechnics: Development production process culture systems and scale-up.
UMCG-BBT: Test pond comparison products between PS and PHA systems for cell and
bacterial culture.
Mediaproducts: Consumer/Use partner of plates that makes filled petri dishes for diagnostics (CERTE, NL).
