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Updated: Aug 28, 2025

Scalable Step-by-Step Approach of Sustainable Bioplastic Production from Food Waste
Published on: July 18, 2025
Bioconversion of Plastic Waste Based on Mass Full Carbon Backbone Polymeric Materials to Value-Added
Brian Johnston1,2, Grazyna Adamus3, Anabel Itohowo Ekere2
1Science in Industry Research Centre (SIRC), SciTech Innovation Hub, Wolverhampton Science Park, Glaisher Drive, Wolverhampton WV10 9RU, UK.
Abstract:
This review article will discuss the ways in which various polymeric materials, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) can potentially be used to produce bioplastics, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) through microbial cultivation. We will present up-to-date information regarding notable microbial strains that are actively used in the biodegradation of polyolefins. We will also review some of the metabolic pathways involved in the process of plastic depolymerization and discuss challenges relevant to the valorization of plastic waste. The aim of this review is also to showcase the importance of methods, including oxidative degradation and microbial-based processes, that are currently being used in the fields of microbiology and biotechnology to limit the environmental burden of waste plastics. It is our hope that this article will contribute to the concept of bio-upcycling plastic waste to value-added products via microbial routes for a more sustainable future.
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