Dutch researchers to invest $7M to develop new biodegradable polyester
In the Netherlands, a consortium of Senbis and Dutch universities and research institutes plans to invest 6.6 million EUR in the development of a new biodegradable polyester. The consortium receives a 3.3 million EUR grant through the European Just Transition Funds (JTF).
The focus of the project is to find a solution for the enormous microplastic pollution caused by apparel textiles. Over 50 million metric tons of fiber is produced for apparel each year, of which over 60% is polyester (PET). An estimated 500,000 metric tons of this volume is lost in the environment each year through e.g. fiber shedding. A biodegradable replacement can avoid long term microplastic
accumulation. However, many technical and economic challenges need to be considered when designing the polymer and fiber.
Category: Research
