The growing environmental challenges posed by plastic waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and dwindling fossil resources, along with global carbon-neutrality policies, are driving demand for degradable and bio-based polymers. Current production methods, however, often involve energy-intensive steps, toxic catalysts, or petroleum-derived inputs, leading to high carbon footprints and poor material performance. Conventional processes also tend to produce degradable plastics with significantly reduced functional properties, limiting their broader use. In response to these limitations, researchers at the Universidad del País Vasco (EHU) and Politecnico di Milano have developed an efficient, scalable free-radical polymerization route to produce highly degradable, bio-based copolymers.
The invention allows the production of bio-based, biodegradable copolymers with a perfectly alternating structure by copolymerizing cyclic ketene acetals (MDO) with crotonic acid esters (butyl crotonate). This controlled alternation incorporates ester bonds directly into the polymer backbone, improving degradability. A third monomer (such as acrylates, methacrylates, or vinyl acetate) can also be added to adjust the material’s physical and mechanical properties. The resulting copolymers are suitable for applications including packaging, cosmetics, lubricants, surfactants, adhesives, inks, and other areas requiring biodegradable materials.
The technology is protected through patent applications (EP23709235 and US18/875,672) that cover both the CKA–crotonate ester copolymers and their production method, as well as evidence of accelerated degradation and biodegradability in sludge. The European patent has been granted (EP 4511406, including Unitary Patent, UK, and Spain), while the US application remains pending, with approval expected around April 2026.
Benefits:
- High degradability due to the alternating copolymer structure, which enhances hydrolysis and breakdown in water.
- Bio-based origin, reducing dependence on fossil resources.
- Efficient ester incorporation enabled by crotonate ester comonomers via free-radical polymerization.
- Chemical versatility through the option to add a third monomer to adjust properties.
- Wide applicability in packaging, cosmetics, lubricants, surfactants, adhesives, and inks.
The represented institution is looking for a collaboration that leads to commercial exploitation of the presented invention.
Institution: Universidad del País Vasco & Politecnico di Milano
TRL: 3-4
Protection Status: Patent Application
Contacto: Nuria Bas / nuria@viromii.com