FP Paradigm Pty Ltd

FP Paradigm Pty Ltd is an early-stage private company co-owned by Eduard Alcordo and New South Innovations Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Established in collaboration with UNSW, FP Paradigm engages in groundbreaking research to develop efficient recycling processes for PET and to synthesise sustainable polymers. The company operates under a portfolio of projects aimed at addressing critical issues in plastic recycling and sustainable packaging solutions. With backing from both the academic and private sectors, FP Paradigm strives to transform the recycling landscape and contribute significantly to global sustainability efforts.

Project A is a pioneering initiative by FP Paradigm Pty Ltd aimed at transforming the recycling of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), a widely used plastic in food and beverage packaging. This project develops a novel recycling process that uses organic solvents to break down PET into its monomer components, allowing it to be reassembled into new PET without any loss of material quality.

The process stands out for its ability to potentially enable the infinite recycling of PET. Traditional recycling methods often degrade PET quality over time, but FP Paradigm's method maintains the integrity of the PET, meaning it can be recycled repeatedly without degradation. This breakthrough is considered a game-changer in the industry, offering a sustainable solution to global plastic waste challenges.

The project is currently transitioning from the research phase to pilot testing. FP Paradigm is preparing to run a pilot-lab scale extrusion machine that will produce plastics from feedstock sourced using the organic solvent process. The success of this pilot could lead to commercial-scale applications and licensing opportunities, significantly impacting the plastic recycling industry by providing a scalable, sustainable method for PET reuse.

Project B, spearheaded by FP Paradigm Pty Ltd, focuses on the synthesis of sustainable polymers suitable for plastic thermoforming applications. The project aims to develop new polymers from biomass materials, thereby reducing reliance on virgin plastic materials and promoting environmental sustainability.

The core technology involves breaking down suitable biomass into monomers and then rebuilding these into new polymers. This innovative approach not only utilizes renewable resources but also integrates seamlessly into existing industrial processes, potentially revolutionising the production of biodegradable and sustainable plastic products.

Currently, Project B has achieved success in bench-scale production, demonstrating the feasibility of creating polymers that blend up to 30% biomass-derived material with traditional plastic. Moving forward, FP Paradigm plans to refine this technology to increase the biomass content and begin testing these materials in commercial extrusion processes. The ultimate goal is to commercialise these sustainable polymers, offering the market a greener alternative to conventional plastics.

Project F is a critical component of FP Paradigm Pty Ltd's suite of sustainability projects, focusing on the use of green chemistry to revolutionise food and beverage packaging. This project aims to convert recycled material into usable monomer precursors, such as ethylene, which can then be utilised to manufacture sustainable plastics.

Leveraging innovative green chemistry techniques, Project F recycles waste material into valuable chemicals that serve as the building blocks for creating new plastics. This approach not only helps reduce waste but also significantly lowers the environmental impact compared to traditional plastic production methods.

Project F is in the development phase, with promising progress in creating an efficient process for converting captured carbon dioxide into ethylene—a key component in the production of polyethylene plastics. The project has moved from batch-based systems to more efficient flow systems, mimicking industrial processes and enhancing scalability. FP Paradigm aims to optimize this technology further, with the goal of commercializing a method to produce high-demand plastics from greenhouse gases, thus contributing to carbon recycling and reduction efforts.

The Australian Packaging Covenant is a voluntary initiative involving government and industry aimed at reducing the environmental impacts of packaging. Updated in 2018, the Covenant set ambitious targets, including making 100% of packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025, and achieving 70% recycling or composting of plastic packaging by the same year.

As of 2023, Australia is falling short of these targets, with only 39% of plastic packaging being recycled or composted, and the average recycled content across all packaging at 18%. The failure to meet these targets indicates a significant gap in the current recycling infrastructure and technologies.

FP Paradigm's innovative recycling technologies, particularly those developed in Project A for PET recycling, position the company to capitalise on these shortcomings. By offering a technology that can infinitely recycle PET without degrading its quality, FP Paradigm aligns well with national goals and stands to benefit from increased demand for effective recycling solutions. The imminent stricter regulations and potential new legislations, such as a plastic tax, further enhance FP Paradigm's opportunity to become a key player in Australia's push towards achieving its 2025 packaging targets.