BluePHA

BluePHA is a biotechnology firm focused on creating biodegradable polymers to offer an alternative to traditional plastics. The company was founded in 2016 by Dr. Haoqian Zhang and Dr. Teng Li, who met at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in 2010. Their shared background in synthetic biology and a desire to apply research to solve real-world environmental problems led to the creation of BluePHA. Dr. Zhang graduated from Peking University with a Ph.D. in Integrated Life Sciences, while Dr. Li earned his Ph.D. in Biomaterial and Synthetic Biology from Tsinghua University. Both were accomplished iGEM participants, with Dr. Li leading a team to a gold medal.

The company's core business revolves around the production and sale of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a bioplastic that biodegrades in soil and marine environments. BluePHA serves businesses aiming to reduce their reliance on conventional plastics, providing PHA in powder or particle form for use as a raw material. The company's business model is B2B, targeting clients in sectors such as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), food and beverage, agriculture, and packaging. BluePHA generates revenue through the sale of its PHA products. To meet growing demand, the company established its first factory with an annual capacity of 5,000 tonnes and plans for significant expansion.

BluePHA's main product is its branded Bluepha™ PHA, a bio-based polymer produced through microbial fermentation. A key feature of their technology is the ability to use diverse feedstocks, including plant oil, air, and potentially industrial or domestic waste, which helps to lower production costs. The resulting PHA material is versatile, with applications in disposable cutlery, straws, paper coatings, rigid packaging, and textiles. Products made with Bluepha™ PHA boast high heat resistance and can be engineered for different degradation levels, such as home or industrial composting. The company also developed a synthetic biology R&D platform called Holog to accelerate the design and testing of microbes for new bio-based materials.

Keywords: polyhydroxyalkanoates, PHA, biodegradable plastics, bioplastics, synthetic biology, microbial fermentation, biomaterials, sustainable materials, circular economy, plastic alternatives, green chemistry, industrial biotechnology, biomanufacturing, cleantech, environmental technology, bio-based polymers, sustainable packaging, biodegradable materials, material science, R&D platform