Biodegradablepackaging materials Transitioning towards low-carbon industries 03. To reduce persistant micro and nanoparticles health and environmental impacts of petrochemical-based plastics, INRAE researchers are working with myriad other scientists to develop ecofriendly materials that offer a functional alternative to conventional non biodegradable plastics. The objective is to create food packaging from renewable but non food sourced materials, whose origin is liquid and solid agricultural residues. The liquid effluents are fermented by bacteria consortia, leading to the production of PHA, a polyester that biodegrades under natural conditions. The PHA is then mixed with solid agricultural byproducts (e.g., vine shoots or straw) that are rich in lignocellulose; byproduct quantity varies depending on food preservation requirements. With the circular economy in mind, the researchers have also developed modelling and decision-making tools and have successfully designed materials that can be reused and recycled, including as compost. 1. Natalie Gontard / IATE Joint Research Unit / TRANSFORM Division INRAE Centre of Occitanie-Montpellier Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) Biodegradable polyesters that naturally result from the bacterial fermentation of sugars or lipids.