From Waste to Innovation: The Promise of Bioplastics

Bioplastic technology has been around for decades, but how can it be effectively utilized and scaled to address the growing crisis of plastic waste we face today?
 
In this episode of Balancing the Future, Dr. Manfred Zinn joins Dana and Micah to explore the cutting-edge applications of bioplastics, the implications of enhanced biodegradability, and the challenges and opportunities of scaling these solutions. 

Manfred is a Professor at the Institute of Life Sciences at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Sion, Switzerland. He earned his degree in Biotechnology and PhD at ETH Zurich, where he conducted pioneering research on nutrient-limited growth conditions in continuous cultures. Manfred further honed his expertise during two postdoctoral fellowships in the United States, focusing on biofilm research at the University of Tennessee and Harvard University.

LINKS: 

Manfred Zinn on LinkedIn 

METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website 

METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn 

Dana Clémençon on LinkedIn 

Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn 

SOURCES 

After bronze and iron, welcome to the plastic age, say scientists – The Guardian Online 

Microplastics: Are we facing a new health crisis – and what can be done about it? - The World Economic Forum 

Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us? - National Geographic 

EU Biorefinery Outlook to 2030 – The European Commission 

India's first bamboo-based biorefinery to start operations in March - Reuters 

CIB commits $277 million towards biorefinery and Canada’s largest electrolyzer - Canada Infrastructure Bank 

Join hosts Dana Clémençon and Micah Schweizer on Balancing the Future from METTLER TOLEDO, where they delve into the world of sustainable technology and its transformative impact on our lives.  

Each episode features stories from leading innovators, breaking down complex tech advancements into engaging narratives that reveal how these innovations shape our present and future.  

From the origins of new technologies to their individual and societal implications, this podcast offers a compelling look at the future of sustainability.