Eco-Friendly Bioplastic from Plant and Wood Waste

Date:3 March 2023

Country: Japan

Application

• The HEMIX bioplastic is used in consumer products like tumblers and other goods, offering durability and heat resistance. It can also be made biodegradable, breaking down into CO2 and water by microorganisms. Additionally, the company is exploring new applications for HEMIX across various industries.

Description

Business Innovation Partners, a startup based in Kawasaki, has developed a new bioplastic, HEMIX, derived from hemicellulose, a component found in underused wood and plant waste. Unlike cellulose, which is widely utilized, hemicellulose had previously been discarded or burned. By applying heat and pressure to extract hemicellulose and treating it with natural additives, the company created a biodegradable, heat-resistant, and durable material with a smaller carbon footprint than conventional plastics. HEMIX is already being adopted by several major companies, and further applications are being developed. This bioplastic offers an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

Pathway Description:

Involves extracting hemicellulose from wood and plant waste using heat and pressure, followed by chemical treatment with natural additives to transform it into a bioplastic. The resulting material, HEMIX, can be made transparent, heat-resistant, durable, and biodegradable, breaking down into CO2 and water by microorganisms.