Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** sustainable chemicals, LLC…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** sustainable chemicals, LLC (SUST-CHEM) was established to address the global plastic pollution crisis. Annually, between 19 to 23 million tons of plastics enter the oceans and by 2050 plastics will contribute 13% of global CO2 emissions. Polyethylene and polypropylene are among the largest volume plastics and constitute 52% of the toxic microplastics found in sediments, which pose potential health risks. Consumers and brand manufacturers seek lower carbon footprint materials with reduced microplastic formation risks, yet viable alternatives for lightweight packaging are scarce. Despite substantial investments, existing bioplastics remain limited to niche markets due to their higher cost and inferior performance than petrochemical plastics. The imperative to replace everyday plastics with ECO-friendly alternatives remains unmet.SUST-CHEM focuses on developing innovative, fully compostable, and renewable bioplastics. Our approach involves utilizing a plant-based raw material that is 20% cheaper than petrochemical raw materials and can be produced in volumes sufficient to meet the plastic industry's demand. This strategic advantage positions US competitively against both traditional and biobased plastics. Our bioplastics are engineered for optimal circularity and have a benign end-of-life whether recycled, landfilled, or lost in the oceans. This USDA phase II sbir project aims to develop a higher performance form of our bioplastics for use in rigid applications such as cosmetic containers, detergent bottles, and soda bottle lids. The market acceptance of SUST-CHEM bioplastic will enhance the agriculture sector's role as a reliable supplier of raw materials to the plastic industry, reduce the US dependence on foreign oil, and reduce the environmental impact of thermoplastic manufacture, use, and disposal.