To develop ECOFUNC innovations, we will advance the use of carbon-negative polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)—biopolymers crafted by microorganisms that utilize CO₂. These eco-friendly materials are resilient, versatile, fully biodegradable, and compostable, breaking down naturally in soil, marine, and freshwater environments without leaving harmful residues or microplastics behind. They offer a pathway to reduce carbon emissions and costs while promoting sustainability through recyclability.
ECOFUNC's innovative materials will be developed and tested in construction sectors applied for cladding for ventilated façades, tiles for suspended ceilings and internal partition walls.
But our story doesn't end with creation! At ECOFUNC, we believe in closing the loop. We will explore advanced end-of-life strategies, including chemical recycling to convert used PHAs back into virgin-quality material, and mechanical recycling to repurpose them for automotive and furniture applications. Cross-validation across sectors will ensure that every chapter of ECOFUNC contributes to sustainable material practices.
The project is supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) and its members. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the CBE JU. Neither the European Union nor the CBE JU can be held responsible for them.
