Figure 1 Overview of Our Business
The widespread use of non-degradable plastic microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products has led to severe environmental pollution, particularly in marine ecosystems. These microbeads, primarily made of polyethylene, persist in the environment for centuries, accumulating in the food chain and posing risks to both wildlife and human health. As global awareness of environmental sustainability grows, consumers and regulatory bodies are increasingly demanding eco-friendly alternatives, creating a significant market opportunity for biodegradable solutions.
Our project, BioBeads Rescue pioneers a synthetic biology solution, engineering E. coli to produce biodegradable PHA microbeads that address plastic pollution at its source. Our technology goes beyond creating eco-materials - it offers precise microbead customization, bridging sustainability with industry needs while maintaining product performance and cost-effectiveness.
Core Mission:
Develop biodegradable PHA microbeads to combat plastic pollution in cosmetics, protecting marine ecosystems and human health through synthetic biology innovation.
Key Ethical Commitments:
Environmental Responsibility – Eliminate microplastic pollution at its source with safe, scalable alternatives.
- Safety & Transparency – Use non-pathogenic GMOs (RG1), rigorous containment, and clear communication about benefits/limitations.
- Equitable Access – Optimize cost-effective production to ensure broad adoption, especially in regions impacted by plastic waste.
- Stakeholder Collaboration – Partner with manufacturers to integrate BioBeads into supply chains without disrupting workflows.
- Education & Advocacy – Empower consumers and policymakers with science-based tools to drive systemic change.
Target Impact:
- Industry: Enable cosmetic brands to meet sustainability goals.
- Society: Reduce microplastic exposure while maintaining product performance.
- Planet: Accelerate transition to circular bioeconomy.
Current market overview
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polymers produced by microbial fermentation, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. They are increasingly used in packaging, agriculture, biomedical applications, and consumer goods due to their eco-friendly nature. The demand for PHAs are significantly reising these years due to growing environmental awareness, strict government regulation on plastics and shifting focus to sustainable development.
The global PHA market size was valued at USD 111.11 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 169.23 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period, all contributing to the fact that the PHA market is soaring.
Figure 2 Market Demand of Our Business
Europe dominates the PHA market with largest market share of 43.1% due to strong environmental regulations, government incentives for bioplastics, and the presence of leading PHA manufacturers.
Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region in the polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) market during the forecast period due to rising industrialization, supportive policy , and growing investment in sustainable materials. Since we are a team in China, we could enjoy the benefits bring by dynamic market and earn profit without affording much transportation cost
Market challenges and prospect
Expansion in the the market observes ongoing progress because of sustainable principles increasingly being incorporated into the running of businesses, strengthening the appeal of applications such as PHA-based biodegradable materials in packaging, agriculture. Greater diversity of applications is anticipated through additional research and development. Difficulties in the implementation of the approach arise from high production costs and lack of raw materials, while cost assessment and scalability are performed by numerous parallel industry actors and research centers that are trying to develop novel approaches to PHA production. Overall, eco-friendly alternatives will surely have their market because industries are turning greener and trying to have low carbon footprints, and PHA is one of them.
Jiangsu Lansu Biomaterial Co., Ltd. www.bluepha.bio
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Attribute |
BP330-05 (Pellets) |
BP350-PD (Powder)
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product image |
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Primary Uses |
Rigid packaging, injection molding |
Lab chemicals, specialty coatings |
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Key Properties |
- High heat resistance (105°C HDT) |
- Fine particle format |
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- Brittle (≤5% elongation) |
- Easier dispersion for blends |
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Processing |
Low melt flow (3 g/10 min) |
N/A (not melt-processed) |
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Pricing |
~€40/kg (sample) |
€12.50–20/kg (bulk discounts) |
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Certifications |
Food contact, compostable, marine biodegradable |
Non-hazardous (MSDS) |
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Strengths |
Thermal stability, rigid packaging |
Blend compatibility, handling ease |
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Limitations |
Brittle, slow processing |
Limited to non-melt applications |
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Primary Uses |
Rigid packaging, injection molding |
Lab chemicals, specialty coatings |
Danimer Scientific, Inc. https://www.danimerscientific.com
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Attribute |
Key Details |
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comapany logo |
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Form |
Beads |
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Main Uses |
Flexible packaging, films, food serviceware |
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Key Property |
High ductility (300–400% elongation) |
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Biodegradation |
Certified: Marine (TÜV), Soil, Industrial Compost |
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Price |
Not publicly stated |
RWDC Industries (Solon™ PHA Beads) https://www.rwdc-industries.com
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Attribute |
Key Details |
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product image |
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Product Name |
Solon™ PHA Beads |
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Main Uses |
Single-use plastics, coatings |
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Key Property |
Flexible, water-resistant |
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Certifications |
BPI, TÜV compostable |
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Price |
Not publicly stated |
CJ Biomaterials (PHACT™ PHA Beads) cjbiomaterials.com
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Attribute |
Key Details |
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product image |
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Product Name |
PHACT™ PHA Beads |
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Main Uses |
Rigid packaging, disposable cutlery |
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Key Property |
High melt strength for extrusion |
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Certifications |
Home-compostable certified |
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Price |
Not publicly stated |
Segmentation:
We segment the market based on application scenarios and customer needs into five categories: medical industry, cosmetics industry, food packaging, agricultural applications, and policy-driven markets. The medical industry primarily focuses on high-purity, controllable degradation rate biomaterials for absorbable sutures and drug delivery systems. The cosmetics industry requires microplastic alternatives to comply with environmental regulations and support brand sustainability goals. The food packaging sector seeks solutions that balance cost and environmental impact. The agricultural market prioritizes price and mechanical performance for products such as biodegradable mulch films and controlled-release fertilizer carriers. Policy-driven markets, led by governments and public institutions, demand materials that replace single-use plastics as part of environmental initiatives.
Targeting:
We focus on the cosmetic industry. Many countries around the world (such as the EU, the United States, China, and Canada) have legislated to ban the use of non-degradable plastic microbeads in cosmetics, and regulatory requirements are becoming more detailed year by year so that if the companies refuse to use degradable material they will be eliminated by the market so that microplastic particles are an essential need for the cosmetics industry. Furthermore, the cosmetics industry lacks other mature subsidies(for example, natural abrasive particles: walnut shells are likely to scratch the skin, and salt grains are likely to dissolve and become ineffective), and biodegradable microbeads(PHA) are the only solution that simultaneously meets the requirements of "cleaning power, safety, and environmental friendliness". Therefore the demand of pha is relatively stable and it is easy for us to sell. Comparing with other industries, the demand for the cosmetics industry is greater, which can allow us to earn higher profit. And there is a high market returns, that The industry is large in scale, and the "environmental premium" is significant. This can support the team to form a virtuous cycle of "R & D - profit - re - R & D", ensuring continuous operation.
Positioning:
Our positioning is: “High-performance biodegradable plastics powered by synthetic biology, designed for high-standard industries such as cosmetics, enabling a sustainable future.” We utilize synthetic biology to engineer E. coli for efficient PHA synthesis, reducing costs and improving yield. Additionally, we incorporate spider silk proteins during the production process to precisely control PHA microsphere size, significantly enhancing mechanical properties and application adaptability. Compared to traditional PHA producers, we not only deliver fully biodegradable materials that comply with international environmental regulations but also offer customizable performance and proprietary technological advantages. This allows us to meet diverse requirements for safety, texture, and functionality across different industries while ensuring stable delivery from pilot-scale production to full-scale manufacturing, helping clients maintain competitiveness during their sustainability transition.
Channels
To effectively reach our target stakeholders—cosmetic brands, personal care manufacturers, and OEM/ODM suppliers—we primarily rely on direct B2B sales and collaborations with regional chemical raw material distributors. Based on result from our visit to the Jiaolanjiaren company, stakeholders value personalized technical support and direct communication, which makes face-to-face meetings, technical consultations, and follow-up services essential, especially during product validation and formulation integration process.
We also leverage B2B e-commerce platforms and ingredient-focused online marketplaces, which provide a cost-efficient way to showcase our PHA microbeads to a global audience, especially for smaller brands. These platforms lower fixedcost and consumer accessibility while maintaining high visibility and accessibility.
Strategies:Our goal is to raise awareness and build trust in our PHA microbeads among cosmetics and personal care brands, with a clear focus on their environmental benefits and skin safety.
We use key phrases like “100% biodegradable,” “microplastic-free,” and “safe for both skin and the environment” to highlight our product’s value. Our marketing strategy includes:
- Direct outreach: We connect with R&D and procurement teams at cosmetics companies through emails, brochures, and samples. We also engage clients at industry trade shows, technical seminars, and online webinars where we showcase our product’s applications.
- Internal alignment: Our sales and tech support teams are trained to clearly explain the advantages of our PHA microbeads to ensure consistent, confident messaging.
- Content-driven education: We publish case studies, technical whitepapers, and certifications to help clients understand the product’s benefits and build up credibility.
- Samples and collaborations: We provide test samples and co-develop formulations with eco-conscious brands to validate the compatibility and performance of our beads as a true alternative to traditional microplastics.
Political
Governments worldwide are increasingly implementing regulations to address microplastic pollution, such as the EU REACH microplastics ban. These policies create a favorable landscape for the development and adoption of biodegradable alternatives like PHA. Support for sustainable development and environmental innovation further incentivizes investment in green technologies, especially within the cosmetics and personal care industries where regulatory compliance is critical.Economic
The global biodegradable plastics market is growing rapidly, projected to reach $9.2 billion by 2026, driven by increasing demand in packaging and personal care sectors. While PHA production remains more expensive than petroleum-based plastics, the cost is expected to decrease due to metabolic engineering advances and industrial scale-up.Social
Consumer acceptance of biodegradable alternatives is rising. Surveys show a strong preference for eco-labeled products, especially among younger demographics. PHA-based materials, marketed as plastic-free, toxin-free, and naturally derived, align with the clean beauty and sustainability values of modern consumers. In addition, public awareness of the health risks and environmental impacts of microplastics has also grown significantly. As a result, demand for microplastic-free formulations in personal care products is increasing rapidly.Technological
Advances in synthetic biology and fermentation technology enable precise control over PHA microbead properties (e.g., size, hardness). Our engineered E. coli strain, combining PHA synthesis genes with hydrophobic proteins, represents an innovative approach to tailor microbeads for cosmetic applications. Further R&D will focus on scaling production and integrating functional additives (e.g., antimicrobial peptides) to enhance product value.Environmental
PHA microbeads degrade naturally in marine and soil environments, addressing the persistent pollution caused by conventional plastics. Lifecycle assessments will validate their lower ecological footprint compared to polyethylene. By targeting the source of microplastic pollution, our solution contributes to SDGs 12 (Responsible Consumption) and 14 (Life Below Water).Legal
With global bans on microplastics in cosmetics and rising scrutiny on ingredients, PHA offers an approved and compliant alternative. PHA does not fall under EU microplastic restrictions and can meet safety and biocompatibility requirements.
Figure 3 Porter 5 Forces
Figure 4 SWOT Model
This product is powder form of PHA microbead, which is naturally biodegradable in the environment. It features excellent eco-friendliness and biocompatibility. Our PHA particles can be customized according to the specific requirements of different clients, allowing for integration into a wide range of products.
PHA particles are suitable for use in various cosmetics and personal care products, including facial cleansers, scrubs, and shampoos. They offer the advantages of being non-toxic, safe for both humans and the environment, and free from microplastic pollution. In particular, when used in exfoliating scrubs, PHA particles serve as an effective and sustainable alternative to synthetic microbeads. They help remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth and refreshed, while also enhancing the environmental value of the final product.
Figure 6 Comparison of Multi - aspect Feature Performances of Different Substances
This comparison chart can clearly show the advantages of using PHA as microbeads for personal care products. Although there are some aspects that need improvement, the first differentiating feature of improved PHA is its highlight in environmental protection. Unlike plastic microbeads,PHA does not pollute the environment or cause harm to the human body. It is both biodegradable and non-toxic The second differentiating feature of PHA is its performance breakthrough driven by technology, which can achieve dynamic regulation of particle size, hardness, toughness, etc. Unlike grain powder, which may have inconsistent sizes due to grinding and screening and cannot control hardness The third differentiating feature of PHA is that it has good potential for commercialization. Although it can be seen from the table that the cost of our PHA is relatively high and the difficulty of scaling up is greater compared to others, according to the suggestions of experts, our product future plan The premium will be supported by the efficacy of skin care, and other application scenarios will also be considered for exploration, such as emulsifier thickening. Not only that, the problem of high cost can be solved in the future, for example, by using cheaper raw materials with similar performance, or by improving the separation and purification technology (update and iteration).
We adopt a target price range of 40000-60000 RMB/ton to meet market demand. For cosmetic applications, we focus on high-purity, size-controlled PHA microbeads (10–50 μm, CV <5%), emphasizing their biodegradability and skin compatibility. By utilizing mixed carbon sources such as agricultural waste and streamlining production through techniques like centrifugation, we maintain product performance while improving yield and reducing costs. Furthermore, compared to traditional PBAT or starch-based beads, PHAs have better stability and environmental adaptability, making them more attractive for mid-to-high-end sustainable cosmetics.
Technical Risks
The primary technical risk involves the potential failure of the engineered E. coli to produce PHA microbeads with consistent size and properties. To mitigate this, we will implement a phased experimental approach, starting with small-scale validation of gene expression and PHA synthesis. Rigorous controls, including wild-type strains and uninduced cultures, will be used to isolate variables. If initial results deviate from expectations, we will refine the genetic circuits and explore alternative hydrophobic proteins for better size control.
Biosafety and Regulatory Risks
As our project involves genetically modified organisms, regulatory compliance and public perception are critical. We will adhere to iGEM’s safety guidelines, using non-pathogenic E. coli BL21(DE3) and physical containment to prevent environmental release. For future commercialization, we will engage early with regulatory bodies to understand approval pathways for bio-based cosmetics. Transparent communication about the safety of PHA degradation products will be prioritized to address potential consumer concerns.
Market Adoption Risks
Consumer resistance to GMO-derived products and higher costs compared to conventional microbeads could hinder adoption. To address this, we have conducted targeted surveys to gauge acceptance and price sensitivity through public questionaire. Marketing strategies will emphasize the environmental benefits and safety of PHA microbeads, leveraging partnerships with eco-conscious brands. Additionally, we will explore subsidies or incentives for early adopters to bridge the cost gap during initial market entry.
Intellectual Property (IP) Risks
Competitors may develop similar solutions, eroding our market advantage. To protect IP, we will file provisional patents for unique genetic constructs and production methods. Simultaneously, we will monitor competitor activity through market research and prioritize rapid commercialization to establish first-mover benefits. Licensing agreements with cosmetic manufacturers could also secure early revenue streams.
Figure 7 Comparison of Multi - aspect Feature Performances of Different Substances
Cost Planning
1. Long-term Fixed Costs
- Initial R&D Costs: ¥8,000,000
Covers strain development, genetic engineering, and lab-scale fermentation optimization.
- Equipment & Production Line Setup: ¥5,000,000
Includes bioreactors, downstream processing equipment (centrifuges, lyophilizers), and facility modifications.
2. Annual Fixed Costs
- Labor: ¥2,400,000
12 employees (engineers, technicians, sales) at an average salary of ¥200,000/person.
- Utilities: ¥750,000
Electricity, water, and gas for fermentation and purification.
- Rent: ¥960,000
150 m² facility in Guangzhou China (¥80,000/month).
- Market Promotion: ¥500,000
B2B marketing, trade shows, and educational campaigns.
3. Variable Costs (per ton)
- Raw Materials: ¥18,000
Glucose, nutrients, and inducer chemicals.
- Supply Chain & Packaging: ¥2,300
Transportation and sterile packaging.
