Magicbiomat: the project for programmed biodegradability
31.01.2025
Supported by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme, Magicbiomat officially commenced on 31 January 2025. The project aims to develop innovative, biodegradable, and eco-friendly materials to combat plastic pollution.
The project is coordinated by the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (Ireland), with the participation of seven european partners: University of Padua (Italy), Organik Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret AS (Turkey), DIGIOTOUCH OU (Estonia), Centre Technique Industriel de la Plasturgie et des Composites (France), Isotech Ltd (Cyprus) and The University of Sheffield (United Kingdom).
The research focuses on creating bio-based materials with programmed biodegradability, ensuring they can effectively decompose under various environmental conditions (such as soil, freshwater, and marine ecosystems). This is crucial as current plastics often fail to fully decompose in real-world conditions, releasing microplastics into the environment.
"Our goal is to create bio-based materials with programmed biodegradability, offering sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. This project has the potential to reduce pollution, promote circularity, and contribute to global efforts for a greener and more sustainable future," explained Yuanyuan Chen, project coordinator at the Technological University of the Shannon.
Magicbiomat will focus on two key applications: mulching films and paper packaging coated with plastic films, both known to be sources of soil pollution. The project also includes the development of advanced tools, such as AI-based software, to support this innovation.
Alessandra Lorenzetti from the Department of Industrial Engineering (DII) and Lorenzo Favaro from the Department of Agronomy, animals, food, natural resources and environment (DAFNAE) at the University of Padua, confirm that "thanks to the multidisciplinary approach, which combines polymer engineering with microbial biotechnologies, it will be possible to develop smart materials capable of biodegrading under various environmental conditions, avoiding the accumulation of microplastics in the environment."
Stefania Rocca, Project officer of the European Union, emphasised the importance of the Magicbiomat project, which represents a significant step in tackling plastic pollution through sustainable innovation. "Thanks to the development of bio-based materials with programmed biodegradability, the project supports the goals of the European Green Deal, promotes the circular economy, and helps reduce environmental impact, advancing both scientific research and industrial progress," she stated.
In addition to biodegradability, the project is committed to improving the circularity of plastics, extending their lifecycle, and exploring mechanical recycling and reuse.
Aware that technology alone is not enough to solve the waste problem, the Magicbiomat project will also address behavioural aspects, creating interactive labels and specific strategies to encourage consumers to dispose of waste responsibly.
Thus, by tackling both environmental pollution and inadequate waste management, Magicbiomat aims to create a lasting impact on the path towards a circular and sustainable bioeconomy.
