Western Australia’s seafood sector, which generates around $1 billion annually, is preparing to phase out expanded polystyrene boxes (EPS) used for transporting fresh catch, following a state-wide ban and growing global concern over plastic pollution.
A new alternative is being developed through a collaboration between the Bioplastics Innovation Hub, a joint venture between Murdoch University and CSIRO, and Perth-based biotechnology firm Cass Materials. The project centres on biofoam boxes made from wheat straw, a common agricultural by-product.
“In WA, approximately 10 million tonnes of wheat straw per year is retained on the farm and, with no tillage systems, most is burnt,” said Gary Cass, CEO of Cass Materials. “With the Bioplastics Innovation Hub, we can convert this agricultural waste into new fossil-free biofoam boxes for fresh food and seafood markets.”
Unlike polystyrene, which can take more than 500 years to break down and contributes microplastics to the environment, the biofoam boxes decompose within months and improve soil health. A recent review by Murdoch University found agricultural soils contain roughly 23 times more microplastics than oceans.
The boxes are lightweight, hydrophobic, able to retain ice and water, and suitable for home composting. Professor Dan Murphy, director of the Bioplastics Innovation Hub, said the aim is to rethink single-use items in the food sector. “We want to improve single use items in the food industry by having biodegradable and compostable materials that replace things like synthetic plastics,” he said. “By developing these items that can replace synthetic plastic in food transportation, storage and packaging we can help to both lower environmental impacts and address incoming plastic bans.”
The biofoam boxes are currently at technology readiness level 4, with laboratory prototypes validated. Cass Materials is seeking investment to scale up production, while researchers at the Hub continue work on a waterproof barrier to meet final product standards.
Cass said consumer expectations are shifting. “Consumers are becoming more aware of the damage that fossil-based plastics are doing to our environment,” he said. “With this awareness, they are seeking out these sustainable alternatives.”
