Biodegradable bag made from CO2 emissions

Melbourne packaging technology company Cardia Bioplastics Limited has developed a biodegradable plastic bag created from a blend of CO₂ (carbon dioxide) emissions and starch.

Chairman Pat Volpe said the company has successfully completed a first production run of the carrier bags, known as CO2S - or, carbon dioxide plus a starch-based renewable resource.

“This is the first time CO₂  emissions have been transformed in this way, and the development has the potential to revolutionise the production of bioplastics around the globe,” he said.

Pollutant CO₂  emissions are captured prior to being released into the atmosphere. This pollutant is then transformed into a polypropylene carbonate (PPC) polymer and blended with a renewable resource (starch), using the company’s new technology, to produce the Cardia Bioplastics CO2S resin. This product is then used to produce a completely biodegradable carrier bag.

Volpe said this revolutionary development promises to offer packaging alternatives globally, with the company now in discussion with several parties interested in the technology.

Cardia Bioplastics now plans to perfect the new CO2S technology by increasing the PPC content and the renewable resource component so that up to 60% less virgin oil will be used, when compared to currently marketed biodegradable oil-based products. The company will also aim to achieve international compostability accreditation standards for the product.

“We are now ready to commercialise this innovative technology and are searching for a suitable international partner with oil or gas wells, or refineries producing CO₂ emissions. We are getting close in our negotiations and the market will be informed when current discussions materialise into a support agreement,” he said.