Fermented and Flatpacked

Long description

Bacteria are single celled organisms that boast incredibly diverse functions. Their cells are like minute manufactories evolved over billions of years to have highly specialized abilities. A variety of bacteria produce Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a biodegradable polyester that can be used as a thermoplastic. PHA is produced internally as a stress response during a fermentation state. We propose a localized circular system of manufacturing flatpack items utilizing a unique biocomposite derived from PHAs and organic fibres from local agriculture waste. The bacteria will be cultured and fermented using food waste streams in low-cost fermenters and extracted in a closed loop system that recovers 90% of solvents. The biocomposite is heat pressed and CNC cut into uniquely crafted flatpack furniture. Working in collaboration with Dr Maciej Guzik, a lead PHA researcher at The Polish Academy of Sciences, we are working on the perfect blend of two PHA polymers to create a stiff, hard, lightweight and structurally stable material. Our material ecology is highly oil based and in need of diversification. With this biocomposite, we intend to challenge the current mass production of petroleum based plastic-wood composites often used in low-cost flat pack furniture. During this project, we will solidify our proof of concept demonstrating our PHA biocomposite performs to high standards and can be uniformly reproduced. We will utilize local London waste streams while building a road map for the expansion of additional small biorefinery-maker spaces to be set up globally.

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