We are truly transdisciplinary, covering chemical and materials engineering, polymer chemistry, environmental science, social science, policy and business.

Our Centre will capitalise on Australia’s abundant natural bioresources to drive advances in technology for the development of bioplastic and biocomposite products for the new bioeconomy.

About us from Centre for Bioplastics on Vimeo.

Who we are

We are funded by the Australian Government through the Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) for Training Centres (ITTC).
We commenced in 2022 and are funded for 5 years.
We are headquartered within the School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane, the Centre is a collaboration with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and industry partners to establish South-East Queensland as a hub for world-leading research in bioplastics and biocomposites.

Our Objectives

  • Deliver advances in technology for the development of bioplastic and biocomposite products for the new bioeconomy
  • Train a cohort of industry ready researchers, laying the foundations for accelerated growth in Australia’s bioplastics and biocomposites industry
  • Establish linkages between leading research groups and partner organisations to strengthen the capabilities of Australian industry to service rapidly growing local and international markets in bio-derived and biodegradable products

Acknowledgement of Country

Our Centre acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities.

We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.

Commitment to diversity

We recognise and value the diversity of our members and acknowledges that equity and inclusivity enable creativity and innovation.
We are committed to developing an environment that is free from discrimination, that is inclusive, and provides equal opportunity of access, participation and advancement.

Our Partners

Our industry partners have a sustained track-record in research and innovation and substantial global reach. Their complimentary expertise spans the entire value chain, including natural resource development (Council of City of Gold Coast), (bio)product development and distribution (Plantic Technologies, Kimberly-Clark, Minderoo) and end-of-life management/waste transformation (Qld Gov, Kimberly-Clark, Minderoo). The involvement of the Australian Packaging Covenant (APCO), with more than 2000 members, facilitates broad dissemination of the project outcomes as well as wider industry input into Centre research and strategy. The participation of the Queensland State Government ensures focus on the social and policy dimensions.