— Our innovation has always been to be sustainable, to create applications and products that can be reintegrated into nature without generating problems, to make all our knowledge available in addition to the BIO ON product.
BIO ON has created the only production plant in Europe for PHAs and one of the few in the world that can be visited and real. The plant for the production of PHB from agricultural by-products represents a great opportunity for anyone who wants to see a new world, sustainable and completely biodegradable materials in Nature.
Today, Gruppo Maip aims to restore the company to the place it deserves, reaffirming it as one of the most revolutionary initiatives in the world and a beacon for the growing need to reverse course for the future of our planet.
— Scientists and designers with great experience in fermentation and oil & GAS were involved. The plant for the production of PHB from agricultural by-products represents a great opportunity for anyone who wants to see a new world, sustainable and completely biodegradable materials in Nature.
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BIO ON is an Intellectual Property Company (IPC) based in Bologna, recognized for its leadership in the design and development of biobased and biodegradable biopolymers. At the core of its offering is polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).
From its headquarters in Bologna, BIO ON manages a complex innovation ecosystem that includes:
Licensing the ability to create production plants anywhere in the world. Involve everyone in the emergency of microplastics which can be fought starting now by using PHAs instead of other polymers and raising awareness as much as possible for every company to undertake this path to save our planet.
BIO ON's business model is designed for the development and global dissemination of its technology through a system of licenses and strategic partnerships.
This approach allows BIO ON to expand its global presence without the need to directly manage production facilities in every region. The key features of this model include:
N. US9796988B2 — Processes for the production of microbial copolyesters from raw materials containing sucrose Bioon
N. US20160168319A1 — Process for recovering and purifying polyhydroxyalkanoates from a cell culture Bioon
N. US20190159997A1 — Compositions comprising bio-based polyesters and biocompatible inorganic compounds, and their uses in the cosmetic field Bioon
N. US7141400B2 — Production of biodegradable thermoplastic materials from organic waste Bioon
N. US20190224345A1 — Biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles containing functional metal nanostructures, preparation processes, and their uses in diagnostic and/or therapeutic fields Bioon
N. US7514525B2 — Recovery and purification of polyhydroxyalkanoates. Bioon
N. US20200024172A1 — Bioremediation methods for water contaminated by hydrocarbons Bioon
N. US20210113450A1 — Cosmetic compositions comprising biodegradable polyesters and oil phases Bioon
N. US20200277490A1 — Composition based on at least one biodegradable polymer and its use as a binder for coating products Bioon
N. US20210113436A1 — Powder compositions based on polyhydroxyalkanoates and their uses in dental prophylaxis Bioon
N. US20210161948A1 — Polyhydroxyalkanoates for use in the prevention or treatment of overweight or obesity conditions or metabolic disorders related to such conditions
N. WO2020109841A1 — Flexible, biodegradable, and biocompatible supercapacitor Bioon
N. WO2020049337A1 — Medical device for the regeneration of a damaged nerve Bioon
N. WO2020049339A1 — Membrane for restoring the continuity of damaged biological tissues Bioon
N. WO2020128584A1 — Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) for use in the treatment and/or prevention of oral cavity diseases Bioon
N. WO2020136420A1 — Piezoelectric device comprising a membrane made of polyhydroxyalkanoate fibers Bioon
N. WO2020165820 — Slow-release fertilizer composition and method for its production Bioon
N. WO2020188439A1 — Process for producing porous particles of a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), porous particles obtainable from said process, and cosmetic compositions comprising the same Bioon
N. US20200375245A1 — Filter elements suitable for use in smoking articles and processes for their production Bioon
N. US20200375245A1 — Aerosol-generating articles suitable for use in aerosol-generating devices Bioon
N. WO2021024157 — Smoking device comprising at least one flavorable capsule Bioon
N. WO2019175725 — Polyhydroxyalkanoates for use in the prevention of colorectal cancer
Each year, 14 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans, breaking down into microplastics that persist indefinitely, accumulating in ecosystems and posing grave risks to both wildlife and human health. These tiny particles are now ubiquitous—they've been detected from the highest peaks to the deepest seas, infiltrating food chains and our own bodies. Shockingly, we each ingest an amount equivalent to a credit card's worth of microplastics every week. With plastic production projected to grow by 300% by 2050, the scale of microplastic pollution is set to escalate dramatically.
To truly curb microplastic pollution, we must replace conventional plastics with bio-based, fully biodegradable materials that decompose without leaving harmful residues. Only materials that break down completely at the end of their life cycle—without generating microplastics—can halt this crisis and protect the health of our ecosystems and communities.
Fossil plastic pollution poses one of the most significant threats to our environment. At the end of their life cycle, plastics contribute to microplastic formation through recycling, incineration, and disposal, increasing atmospheric CO2 levels and leading to climate change, as well as land and water contamination.
Microplastics are persistent pollutants that do not biodegrade, leading to their accumulation in the environment and their spread through soil, air, and water bodies. Their extensive surface area enables them to absorb toxic substances, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, posing serious threats to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
In aquatic environments, microplastics disrupt the reproductive systems of marine organisms, cause tissue inflammation, and alter feeding patterns. When consumed, these particles can block the digestive tracts of small animals, leading to internal injuries. Moreover, the ingestion of microplastics can create a false sense of fullness, leading animals to eat less and suffer from nutrient deficiencies, which can have long-term health effects and decrease survival rates.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles accumulating everywhere and posing serious environmental and health risks. They can be primary microplastics, intentionally created for products like cosmetics, toothpaste, and cleaning agents. Tires and paints also release microplastics, which easily end up in rivers and eventually in oceans. Other microplastics are secondary, meaning they come from larger plastic items, like bottles and fishing nets, that degrade due to sun and water exposure. These persistent, tiny particles enter food chains and are even found in our drinking water. To stop this growing threat, it is essential to reduce plastic use and adopt sustainable, biodegradable materials.
Soil covers about 30% of Earth's surface, yet only 50 million km² is suitable for farming, sustaining global food production and acting as a vital carbon sink. Soil is a complex blend of minerals, organic matter, gases, and microorganisms, all essential for storing water, supporting plant growth, and regulating ecosystems. However, soil faces serious threats, including contamination from micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). These particles come from sources like air deposition, agricultural plastics, and sewage sludge and persist in the soil, harming organisms and degrading soil health. Biodegradable alternatives, like PHAs, offer hope by breaking down fully in soil, unlike conventional plastics that accumulate and cause long-term damage. Transitioning from traditional plastics to sustainable, degradable materials is key to preserving soil health and reducing lasting pollution.
Further reading on microplastics in the environment
An astounding 94% of plastic entering the ocean sinks to the seabed, where an average of 70 kg per square kilometer accumulates. Only about 1% of marine plastics remain near the surface, with a global average of less than 1 kg/km². Once microplastics settle on the ocean floor, where temperatures are around 4°C and sunlight is scarce, their degradation can take centuries. Recent studies reveal that approximately 14 million tons of microplastics now rest on the ocean floor, posing long-term threats to marine ecosystems and highlighting the urgent need to reduce plastic pollution.
Further reading on microplastics in the environment
Our impact on nature is profound and concerning. The species Eurythenes plasticus, an amphipod first identified in 2020, was named after the PET plastic found in its stomach, highlighting the severe effects of plastic pollution. Discovered in the Mariana Trench at depths between 6,010 meters (19,720 feet) and 6,949 meters (22,799 feet), researchers from Newcastle University captured four specimens, one of which contained plastic particles in its body. The microfibers found in its hindgut were 84% similar to PET plastic, demonstrating that plastic pollution reaches marine organisms even at extreme ocean depths of 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) below sea level.
Further reading on microplastics in the environment
BIO ON is deeply committed to combating microplastic pollution through sustainable material innovation. Its mission is to replace conventional plastics with biodegradable solutions like natural PHAs, which fully degrade without leaving toxic residues or microplastics. Microplastic pollution poses an increasing threat to ecosystems and human health, with most microplastics originating from the breakdown of traditional plastics that persist in the environment for centuries, infiltrating oceans, soil, and even the food chain. With PHAs, BIO ON offers a practical solution to reduce these harmful particles and protect the environment, promoting a shift to eco-friendly materials for a more sustainable future.
