A coalition of researchers and industry leaders has initiated a project aimed at transforming brewers’ spent grain (BSG) into high-value bioplastics. Named POLYMEER, this initiative is funded by the Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking HORIZON programme and seeks to create a sustainable bio-based value chain, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Currently, bioplastics constitute a small portion of global plastic production, and the growth in this sector is insufficient to meet rising demand. BSG, a byproduct of the brewing process, is often underutilized, typically relegated to low-value animal feed or sent to landfills. The POLYMEER project addresses the limitations of BSG, focusing on developing new bio-based polymers, copolymers, and blends for specific applications, including agricultural mulch films, automotive textiles, and industrial packaging. All products will be designed with recycling or biodegradation in mind.
Running through 2028, the project aims to optimize BSG conversion into bio-based materials, producing high-performance bioplastics that can compete with conventional alternatives. The consortium will evaluate the sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of these solutions while ensuring market readiness and regulatory compliance.
The initiative involves academic institutions, research centers, and companies across Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, and is coordinated by the Università degli Studi di Perugia. With a budget of €4.9 million (approximately $5.4 million), POLYMEER strives to mitigate plastic pollution and promote sustainable resource management in the packaging industry.
