Packaging Innovation: University of Edinburgh Startup Develops ‘Smart’ Plastic to Combat Ocean Pollution

University of Edinburgh Startup Develops Revolutionary ‘Smart’ Plastic to Combat Ocean Pollution

Edinburgh, Scotland – E.V.A. Biosystems, a start-up from the University of Edinburgh, has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in the fight against plastic pollution. This pioneering company has created a “smart” plastic that can self-destruct in the ocean, breaking down without generating harmful microplastics—a pressing global environmental concern.

E.V.A. Biosystems was awarded the top prize in the SSE-sponsored Net Zero category at this year’s Converge Awards, an annual event celebrating the best of Scottish academic innovation. The company impressed judges with its novel solution to plastic waste, earning a cash prize of £30,000 and £19,500 in business support from SSE and Converge’s network of industry partners.

Dr. Alexander Speakman, founder of E.V.A. Biosystems, stated, “We’re all struggling with plastic pollution, and while there are many people developing biodegradable plastics, they’re too expensive and only account for about 1% of the world’s plastic. Our technology enhances existing plastics, making them smart enough to break down when they end up in places they shouldn’t, like our oceans or landfills.”

The innovative process involves infusing conventional plastics with specific bacteria that can sense when they are in marine environments. Once detected, these bacteria activate enzymes that facilitate the plastic’s breakdown. Unlike traditional chemical degradation methods that can produce microplastics, E.V.A.’s approach aims to eliminate such waste products. Recent research indicates that approximately 12 million metric tons of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans annually, a staggering figure equivalent to over 100,000 blue whales.

Environmentalists have hailed this development as a significant step toward addressing plastic pollution. Supermarkets, as major players in the supply chain, are urged to insist on and pressure their suppliers to adopt this innovative material. By prioritising sustainable packaging solutions like E.V.A.’s smart plastic, retailers can play a crucial role in mitigating environmental damage and promoting a circular economy.

In addition to E.V.A. Biosystems, the Converge Awards highlighted several other innovative ventures from the University of Edinburgh. The Create Change category, which focuses on social and impact-driven enterprises, was won by Ujamaa Spice. Founded by Jawahir Al-Mauly, Ujamaa Spice is revolutionising the £17 billion global spice market by partnering with smallholder farmers in Zanzibar, ensuring high-quality spices for UK consumers while addressing food crime and exploitation in the industry.

The KickStart category, designed for early-stage ideas, awarded top prize to SEASAT, founded by Solomon White. SEASAT utilises satellite imagery and machine learning to monitor coastal water conditions, providing an early warning system for the aquaculture sector, enhancing operational efficiency for fish farms.

The Net Zero category also featured SolarSub as a runner-up. Co-founded by Sebastiaan Schalkwijk and James Taylor, SolarSub has developed an efficient cooling system for floating solar panels, addressing overheating challenges in water-based solar farms.

In the KickStart category, PalmAlt from Queen Margaret University also received recognition. Founded by Catriona Liddle, PalmAlt provides a sustainable 100% replacement for palm oil-based shortening in bakery products, enhancing nutritional profiles while addressing sustainability concerns.

Adam Kosterka, executive director of Converge, remarked on the remarkable innovation emerging from Scotland’s universities, stating, “E.V.A. Biosystems, Ujamaa Spice, SEASAT, SolarSub, and PalmAlt exemplify how academic excellence can lead to groundbreaking solutions with global implications. These companies are not just developing products; they are shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes added, “Translating world-class research from our universities into innovative technologies and businesses is crucial for driving Scotland’s economic growth. Converge plays a vital role in fostering a supportive environment for innovators and entrepreneurs, enabling them to showcase their ideas and connect with industry leaders.”

Converge, funded by the Scottish Funding Council and supported by eight corporate partners, collaborates with 18 Scottish universities. Since its inception in 2011, the programme has trained over 670 aspiring founders and helped establish more than 420 companies, boasting an impressive three-year survival rate of over 80% as of June 1, 2024.

Open to students, recent graduates, and staff, Converge offers intensive business training, networking opportunities, cash prizes, and expert guidance to foster the growth of new businesses.

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