Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research

Chemical-biotechnological recycling of polybutylene succinate and its re-synthesis

Due to its bio-based nature and biodegradability, polybutylene succinate (PBS) is a sustainable alternative to conventional polyolefins, which can be persistent in the environment due to their long degradation time. The LoopPBS project is the first to demonstrate a new type of chemical recycling of PBS and the processing of this recycled PBS (rPBS).

State of the art: Mechanical recycling for the production of recyclates
Chemical-biotechnological recycling routes and resynthesis of PBS

 

Technical demand:

  • Thermo-mechanical damage to the molecular chain structure of polymers
  • Mixed fractions despite the same type of plastic
  • Only a limited proportion of recyclate can be used

 

 

 

 

Scientific-technical solution:

  • Hydrolysis process + enzymatic / microbial depolymerisation into monomers
  • Demonstration of the re-synthesis of rPBS
  • Industrial processing of rPBS
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  • The development of bioplastics for the mass market as a replacement for the polyolefins used today - polybutylene succinate (PBS) - also requires the function of recyclability in order to fulfil sustainability requirements. PBS is basically thermo-mechanically recyclable. However, the losses in material quality are at a similar level to those known for the recycling of polyolefin-based materials.

    The "LoopPBS" project is developing new recycling technologies on a chemical and enzymatic basis and demonstrating the processing of recycled PBS (rPBS) on a technical scale using the example of film processing. PBS is currently being researched on a broad front, particularly from a bioeconomic perspective along its value chain.

    In the "LoopPBS" project, the Fraunhofer IAP together with the Fraunhofer IZI-BB is addressing the scientific and technical need for the recyclability of PBS.

  • Funding

    This project is funded as part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft's internal programmes.