Waikato scientist named Kudos finalist

Science and Engineering’s Dr Johan Verbeek has been nominated as a finalist in the 2011 Kudos awards for his work turning low-value animal protein into high-value biodegradable plastics.

Developed at Waikato University, the new process creates biodegradable and compostable plastics from what is effectively a waste product of meat processing, bloodmeal.

The Kudos awards are a Waikato initiative held once a year to celebrate science achievement in the region.

“Protein is a plastic, in the simplest form,” says Dr Verbeek who is nominated in the emerging scientist category.

“Proteins are polymers, and plastics are also polymers. Bloodmeal is a protein rich co-product of the meat industry, but is nearly impossible to convert into a plastic product – that was the challenge.”

The discovery is being commercialised by Novatein Ltd through work with WaikatoLink - the commercial arm of the University of Waikato. Novatein Ltd is in the process of registering world-wide patents and also working to license the technology for manufacture in New Zealand.

So far the bioplastic has been earmarked for use in planter cups, seedling trays and pegs for their biodegradable and compostable properties, making them ideal for plant nurseries and other horticultural applications where a temporary support is needed.

“One of the challenges we face is getting a useful life out of the plastics. We’re still working on it every day, but at the moment the bioplastic will last about 12 weeks.

“Our research focus is on waste – taking things that are waste or rubbish and making something useful out of it.”

The University of Waikato has two other finalists in the Kudos awards – Dr Anne Hume and Dr Charles Lee. The winners of the awards will be announced at a dinner on Thursday October 13.