Bioweg to optimize bacterial cellulose to produce novel bioproducts

In Germany, Bioweg announced a collaboration to optimize the production of bacterial cellulose and to produce novel variants of cellulose with improved performance to serve a variety of end markets.

Bioweg’s current products based on biodegradable bacterial cellulose have already been tested and implemented by companies as an effective substitute for widely used synthetic polymers such as acrylates, polyethylene, and polystyrene. Synthetic polymers often appear as microbeads (micropowders) and texturants (Rheology modifiers) in products throughout the cosmetics, homecare, personal care, agricultural coatings and other industries, which 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 on top of 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 4 and 6 years for microbeads in ‘rinse-off’ and ‘leave-on’ cosmetics, respectively.