MetaCycler BioInnovations is a startup that has developed a biodegradable plastic alternative that combines the flexibility of traditional plastic and is 100% biodegradable. The company produces polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a biodegradable polymer, by engineering bacteria to convert waste from milk and cheese production. This solution upcycles waste from the dairy industry into cost-effective and sustainable bio-based plastics. Co-founder Eugenia Dadzie explains that while there is a shift towards sustainable materials like seaweed and sugarcane, their properties often fall short compared to conventional plastics. MetaCycler’s bio-based plastic alternative addresses the problem of food waste and plastic pollution in one solution. The startup was founded by a team of PhD students, including Dadzie, who met under the supervision of Dr. Trevor Charles, a biology professor at Waterloo. They secured funding from various research incubators and programs, including the University of Waterloo’s Velocity accelerator. The team is currently commercializing their sustainable plastic solution while continuing their doctoral studies.
Transforming yesterday’s table scraps into the plastic of tomorrow’s future
