Network Projects
Projects
The Network is already supporting practical transatlantic collaboration across the bioeconomy, with projects spanning sustainable plastics and biopolymers, circular agri-food systems and food waste. These projects bring together researchers, industry and students to address shared challenges and translate research and innovation into real-world applications.
Decision-grade “feedstock advantage” framework.: Plastics
In partnership with the Plastics Industry Association, the Dynamic Sustainability Lab is developing a decision-grade “feedstock advantage” framework to help bioplastic producers and policymakers identify where feedstock and regional choices are most durable under price volatility, carbon, and policy pressure. The framework brings together four pillars: price risk and volatility, regional competitiveness, carbon abatement economics, and policy-driven demand elasticity. Phase 1 establishes the analytical foundation. It screens major bioplastics by cradle-to-gate carbon intensity to produce a shortlist of priority feedstocks. Each is then taken through a market analysis covering geographic supply, policy landscape, adoption barriers, and competing demand. Led by Assistant Professor Janire Pascual, Dynamic Sustainability Lab, Syracuse University.
Production-Application-Environmental Impact of Biodegradable Polymers Based on Polyhydroxyalkanoates
The project aims to understand the fate of microplastics generated from biodegradable plastics. Around 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced globally each year, much of which persists in the environment for centuries as it fragments into microplastics. While biodegradable plastics are increasingly proposed as a solution, their long-term environmental behaviour is poorly understood. This research will examine how material design and degradation influence microplastic formation, helping to inform the development of genuinely sustainable plastic alternatives that reduce long-term environmental harm. Led by Professor Kevin O’Connor, Professor John Wendell McGrath, Queens University Belfast and Dr Jeffrey Bates, The University of Utah
Circular AgriFood Exchange (CAFBIE)
The Circular AgriFood Bioeconomy Implementation Exchange (CAFBIE) is a collaborative transatlantic research and education project. Led by University College Dublin (UCD) and UC Davis, it pairs student teams with industry partners in Europe and the US to develop food waste reduction strategies and circular food systems. Led by Professor Nicholas M. Holden (UCD) and Assistant Professor Edward Spang (UC Davis), the project will engage transatlantic student teams to work with companies in Europe and the United States on strategies to reduce food waste and support circular food systems.
Connecting ideas. Growing partnerships.
Building bridges for a sustainable bioeconomy.