Waste to Bioplastic: Transforming Waste Biomass into Next Generation Bioplastics

Winner of the Curtin Global Award at the 2025 Curtinnovation Awards, this green biorefinery innovation converts macroalgae and agricultural waste into L-lactic acid (a key ingredient for biodegradable plastics), using ozonolysis and acid with microbubbles. It’s zero-waste, low-energy and highly efficient. Industrial trials show strong yields, with applications expanding into palm oil waste.

Team: A/Prof Inn Shi Tan, A/Prof Henry Chee Yew Foo, Dr Tian Foon Howe, Dr Kevin Tian Xiang Tong, A/Prof Man Kee Lam

Learn more: http://curtin.edu/h8tnnh