Prototyping Solutions. Findings from the third UK SIMBIO social innovation lab – and SIMBIO project implications

The impacts of microplastics on ecosystems are widespread, particularly in the marine environment (Avio
et al., 2017, Jambeck et al., 2015, GESAMP, 2016). In an era in which plastic production continues to grow
while the recycling system continues to underperform (OECD, 2022), there are increasing challenges for
contemporary economies to shift towards more sustainable production and consumption models – since
plastics emissions are predicted to grow fourfold within the next decade (Zheng and Suh, 2019). In this
context, bioplastics have the potential to benefit the UK economy by serving the functional requirements
modern society expects of plastic products and contributing to the development of a more sustainable
future (CEBR, 2015). Despite this, there are still a number of economic, social, and environmental
challenges associated with creating sustainable biobased biodegradable plastics packaging (BBPP)
products that maximise positive sustainability impacts throughout and beyond the life cycle