A Hong Kong company has signed a license agreement with the University of Hawaii for technology developed by a UH scientist using fermentation to convert organic waste materials for bioplastics and organic fertilizers. Hong Kong firm jumps
on UH technology bandwagonA patented process converts
biowaste to earth-friendly plasticsStar-Bulletin staff
The UH patented the biopolymer production technology developed by Jian Yu of the Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.
The UH Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development signed the license agreement with I-PHA BioPolymers Ltd. of Hong Kong.
The company, which is involved in environmental biotechnology development, has the exclusive right to use Yu's technology to produce bioplastics and organic fertilizers in Hong Kong, Macau and China.
The company will pay an upfront licensing fee to UH and running royalties on sales of products using the process. It also has the right to sublicense its rights to other firms and will reimburse UH for patent costs.
Said OTTED director Richard Cox: "By helping commercialize this technology, I-PHA BioPolymers will be helping to tackle one of those thorny problems that confront virtually every country on earth -- solid waste management and overflowing landfills -- and that will be a benefit to us all, truly a benefit to society."
The company plans to commission a research center in Hong Kong to develop and build a pilot plant for production using the technology. Yu will be chief scientist for the pilot plant design and construction.
Andy Lo, I-PHA BioPolymers managing director, said with Yu's technology, "We have come up with a cost-effective approach to handle biodegradable organic waste materials by converting it into bioplastics and organic fertilizers without secondary pollution."
Bioplastic is a type of thermoplastic material made by microbial organisms from natural renewable resources. It is biodegradable and nontoxic.
Yu said he uses natural microbes from discarded organic waste materials to develop bioplastics and organic fertilizers. "From these fermentative acids, some special microbial strains, isolated from soil, produce bioplastics under a controlled environment.
"The waste residuals that cannot be decomposed by the natural microbes are further stabilized as excellent soil conditioner and organic fertilizers."
Biodegradable plastic and elastic polymers are used in disposable products such as food packing; hygiene products such as diaper back sheets and cotton swab sticks; consumer goods, such as cutlery and plates; medical-related products such as sutures and syringes; and agricultural purposes, including mulch film and planters.
Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering
Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development