The EMPHATI project has been extended by one year and will now run until October 2026. This project, funded by Interreg Germany-Netherlands, focuses on the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly products based on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and PHA blends with natural fibers. PHA are thermoplastic biopolymers produced by bacteria, offering superior biodegradability compared to other biopolymers such as polylactic acid.
“The extension of EMPHATI is a fantastic opportunity to take further steps in the development of sustainable biopolymers. We see growing interest in PHA-based materials, and this additional time allows us to further strengthen innovation and collaboration within the value chain,” says Daan van Oldeniel, business developer at BIO Cooperative.
Opportunities for PHA
Thanks to the structural diversity within the PHA group, with variants such as PHB and PHBV, materials can be developed with different properties, making them suitable for a variety of applications, such as injection molding and 3D printing. Short-chain PHAs, in particular, are seen as promising alternatives to petroleum-based plastics such as polypropylene. Take a look at the projects already developed within EMPHATI [https://biocooperative.nl/project/emphati/], such as a feasibility study on the use of oat fibers in combination with PHA for injection molding applications.
More Time for New Projects
The extension of EMPHATI until October 2026 provides additional time and opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between Dutch and German companies and research institutions. The project focuses on technological innovations, including new process methods and applications such as injection molding, fermentation, extrusion, and 3D printing of PHA-based materials. Additionally, feasibility studies are being conducted to assess the technical, economic, and legal potential of PHA projects, accelerating their market adoption.
An important part of EMPHATI is the Open Project Section, where new partners with innovative ideas can join and participate in sub-projects. Funding is still available for feasibility studies and pilot studies aimed at reducing production costs and improving the performance of PHA composites.
Have a Great Idea? Get in Touch!
With the extension of EMPHATI, not only is technological progress in the production of sustainable polymers accelerated, but also a cross-border innovation network is strengthened, focusing on knowledge transfer and collaboration. Do you have an innovative idea for a PHA project? Contact Daan van Oldeniel from BIO Cooperative (d.van.oldeniel@triade.umcg.nl or by phone at +31 6 31623250) or Frank Koster from the 3N Competence Center (by phone at +49 5951 9893-21 or by email at koester@3-n.info).
EMPHATI project partners:
