The Redcar-based Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), which develops products and processes to increase productivity in many sectors, is working on a project to cut plastic pollution by developing biodegradable food packaging.

Working alongside industry partners, CPI is using its polymer chemistry research and materials processing capability to support the development of alternatives to commonly used fossil-based polymers, which are a major cause of pollution in the world’s oceans.

The CPI (www.uk-cpi.com) has received funding from a programme called Plastics Innovation: Towards Zero Waste, which promotes the development of new polymers, processes and recycling regimes to reduce the environmental impact of plastics, while boosting UK productivity and economic growth.

Working alongside Gateshead-based SME iPac Packaging Innovations and others, it will develop new pack-aging with better end-of-life options, such as composting and anaerobic digestion.

If leaked to the environment, this packaging is intended to biodegrade quickly.

Dan Noakes, business manager at CPI, said: “We need to adopt new thinking if we are to overcome the pressing issue of plastic’s persistence in the natural environment. This project tackles the issue head-on.”