Polymateria is a startup specializing in biodegradable and compostable plastics, focusing on addressing fugitive plastics, which are plastics that escape waste collection systems and pollute natural environments. According to the company, approximately 2.1 billion tonnes of plastic waste are projected to become fugitive plastics by 2050, aggravating ocean and ecosystem pollution.
To combat this issue, Polymateria developed Biotransformation, a novel technology that ensures plastic that escapes refuse streams can fully biodegrade in the natural environment. This patented process operates in three phases:
- Phase 1: Service Life – The technology remains inactive, allowing the packaging to retain its full functionality without compromising quality or durability.
- Phase 2: Weathering and Activation – Upon environmental exposure, the technology is triggered, causing a rapid breakdown of the plastic structure. This transformation creates a bioavailable wax as the plastic’s surface area expands, accelerating degradation.
- Phase 3: Mineralization – Naturally occurring bacteria and fungi decompose the bioavailable waxes in the environment under ambient conditions, fully breaking down the material into minerals without leaving microplastics behind.
Polymateria's technology targets both crystalline and amorphous regions of PE (Polyethylene) and PP (Polypropylene) structures, allowing full biodegradation of films and rigid plastics within 1-2 years, verified by third-party testing. The company’s next-generation products include stretch films, shrink wraps, produce bags, flower sleeves, garment polybags, candy wrappers, and other essential packaging solutions designed to biodegrade responsibly.
