International symposium on biopolymers - ISBP2022

The 18th edition of the International Symposium on Biopolymers (ISBP), organized by the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland (HES-SO) and the University of Stuttgart, took place in Sion at the Energypolis Campus from September 13 to 16. The event attracted more than 160 researchers, industry experts and start-ups from around the world to share their knowledge and the latest innovations and discoveries in the field of bioplastics.

ISBP2022 highlighted current research areas on biopolymers, i.e. polymers derived from biomass and/or biodegradable. Some of the most common ones are polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), cellulose, starch and other polysaccharides, used in many industrial sectors such as medicine, cosmetics, packaging or food. In recent years, billions of dollars have been invested in the development and implementation of solutions to produce large quantities of these natural PHA materials on an industrial scale, relying heavily on their biodegradability as an advantage.

More than 95 lectures on biosynthesis, innovation in fermentation technology, the use of biopolymers in drug delivery, cosmetics, packaging and sustainable textiles, as well as biodegradation and recycling of biopolymers will be on the program during the four days.

For Professor Manfred Zinn of the University of Applied Sciences in Sion and organizer of the event, the outcome is very positive. "Participants from 29 nations were able to exchange and learn about the latest developments that are important for the future of biopolymers, such as the use of waste products, like CO2, for their production. During this symposium, it was shown that there are many possibilities to modify the properties of these polymers, which allows to determine their elasticity and strength, and which opens new windows of application, and that is something new."

The symposium, which is a benchmark in the field, has been held every two years since its inception in Toronto in 1988. Researchers will meet again at the next symposium in Malaysia in 2024.

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