Bioweg in Germany and US-based biological engineering company Ginkgo Bioworks have entered into a collaboration aimed at developing a non-synthetic replacement for, amongst others, microbeads, the companies announced.
Gingko Bioworks will work with Bioweg to optimise the production of Bioweg’s bacterial cellulose products. These products have already been tested and implemented by companies that are using these as to replace synthetic polymers such as acrylates, polyethylene, and polystyrene.
Gingko Bioworks will also support the development of novel variants of cellulose with improved performance suitable for a variety of end markets.
“We believe Ginkgo’s strain engineering and screening capabilities can enable us to deliver our biobased solutions at scale and competitive pricing,” explained Prateek Mahalwar, CEO at Bioweg.
Using cellulose instead of synthetic polymers for applications such as microbeads or micropowders, and texturants (rheology modifiers) has evident advantages.
Found in products throughout the cosmetics, homecare, personal care, agricultural coatings and other industries, synthetic polymers contribute to microplastic pollution in surface waters worldwide. It is estimated that an average person could be ingesting about 5 grams of plastic each week through the consumption of common foods and beverages, according to a study by the University of Newcastle.
These microplastics are non-biodegradable and sometimes carry toxic chemicals with them. Regulatory agencies and communities around the world have addressed microplastics contamination through significant regulations. For example, in 2022 the European Chemical Agency announced phasing out periods of four and six years for microbeads in ‘rinse-off’ and ‘leave-on’ cosmetics, respectively. With this ban in sight, Bioweg is working to create alternative bacterial cellulose-based ingredients for personal care, cosmetics, seed and fertiliser coating, and the processed food industry. The company utilises waste or side streams from the food industry as feedstock to develop these solutions.
“Our solutions are not just tackling a major environmental, sustainability and health problem, but also present a robust market opportunity to replace plastic polymers in care, coatings, chemicals, and other industries,” said Mahalwar.
“We are committed to supporting the shift to sustainable and bio-based high-performance alternatives and are thrilled to be working with Bioweg to address the pressing issues of microplastics contamination and promote responsible consumption,” added Ena Cratsenburg, Chief Business Officer at Ginkgo Bioworks.