BIOHOLISTIC

The global dependence on petroleum-based plastics has created an escalating environmental and economic crisis. With plastic production expected to quadruple by 2050, its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, coupled with inadequate waste management practices, has led to severe ecological consequences. Over 60% of plastic ever produced remains in the environment, contributing to methane emissions and the widespread distribution of micro- and nano-plastics in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The marine environment is particularly vulnerable, with millions of tonnes of plastic entering the oceans annually. Beyond the environmental threat, the mismanagement of plastic waste represents a major economic loss, particularly from packaging. Growing public awareness and international initiatives, such as the UN Environment Assembly’s call for a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution, highlight the urgent need for sustainable and circular solutions.

Bioholistic proposes a holistic and integrated refinery concept for plastic waste management, combining advanced chemical and biological processes. The core innovation lies in developing a dual pathway: (i) chemical recycling for the recovery of plastic monomers to produce new plastics, and (ii) biotechnological conversion of plastic-derived intermediates into high-value products using specialized microorganisms. This approach moves beyond conventional recycling by enabling both material recovery and the generation of added-value compounds for health, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. The multidisciplinary consortium, bringing together expertise in environmental biotechnology, chemical engineering, and applied microbiology, provides the foundation for scientific breakthroughs in plastic waste valorization and the establishment of novel bio-based processes for a sustainable plastic refinery.

The project will deliver a proof-of-concept for an integrated plastic refinery, demonstrating the feasibility of converting waste into both recyclable monomers and bio-based products with commercial potential. Its main deliverables include validated chemical and microbial processes, novel microbial platforms for plastic-derived feedstocks, and a scalable framework for circular plastic management. The potential impact spans environmental, economic, and societal dimensions: reducing plastic waste and its ecological footprint, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and creating new value chains in biotechnology and sustainable materials. By aligning with circular economy principles and international policy goals, Bioholistic can provide industry with disruptive solutions for plastic pollution and contribute to global sustainability transitions.