Chestnut Bio
Biodegradable plastics inspired by nature, for nature
The challenge
Tree saplings in the agriculture and forestry industries are traditionally planted and protected with single-use plastic guards and cable ties, that once have completed their job, can be left on the ground, polluting soil and harming wildlife. Though an environmental concern, these guards are necessary to protect saplings from being browsed by wildlife. Plastic alternatives have been investigated, but finding a material that can withstand conditions and remain effective for the required time has proven challenging.
For these industries to be fully sustainable and help to mitigate the impact of climate change, it’s crucial to move from single-use, fossil fuel-based plastics to bio-based, biodegradable materials.
We used our formulation expertise to help start-up company Chestnut Bio develop a guard system for saplings and young trees based on novel biopolymer formulations for cable ties that naturally biodegrade after 5 years. We selected the formulation blend based on its ease of manufacturing, its ability to break down, and its performance profile.
![](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_529700373.jpeg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1680527711&s=e7ef68c6702281280d3e67379fb0c918 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_529700373.jpeg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1680527711&s=8581f41db4e750d178d362ad24b7f2b1 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_529700373.jpeg?w=2240&h=1260&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1680527711&s=88633d67250e57fd98fe9b0b1e9cdff3 2240w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_529700373.jpeg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1680527711&s=389aaa05c06d9c36eb218594db98e7dc 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_529700373.jpeg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1680527711&s=486e0a8d9918ad1d372a33230d23bc95 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_529700373.jpeg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1680527711&s=c18cbf53b957a9fc87815dc3ce6044b8 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_529700373.jpeg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1680527711&s=30fc49325539a94b37e4a8e60559792c 960w)
““We’ve got prototypes already, which is great. We just made our first sale and so, we’ve gone from being a research and development company to a trading company, which is quite amazing.””
How CPI helped
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and extensive expertise in biodegradable plastic formulation and product development.
- Development and testing of novel biopolymer formulations to assess performance and rate of biodegradability.
- Identification of the most suitable formulations.
- Technical review and desk research.
![](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191125CPI-Sedgefield5000.080_2023-04-03-130931_zntq.jpg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725614532&s=20dff8633a3efdc7017afc1343046e6c 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191125CPI-Sedgefield5000.080_2023-04-03-130931_zntq.jpg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725614532&s=07620ef865ac194db7722499b77a3b20 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191125CPI-Sedgefield5000.080_2023-04-03-130931_zntq.jpg?w=2240&h=1260&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725614532&s=0f3ba5fe0026fcbdffb0d089165b8f00 2240w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191125CPI-Sedgefield5000.080_2023-04-03-130931_zntq.jpg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725614532&s=e85cbccfb987c7d13352e8d444e44d91 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191125CPI-Sedgefield5000.080_2023-04-03-130931_zntq.jpg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725614532&s=1dffb5305450eb0770af20c23d171ecc 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191125CPI-Sedgefield5000.080_2023-04-03-130931_zntq.jpg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725614532&s=63957ec74de87ad6d8ed81c1ebdea48b 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/191125CPI-Sedgefield5000.080_2023-04-03-130931_zntq.jpg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725614532&s=9564e18e20f83068ed2e767d30923623 960w)
Achievements
- Design and production of cable tie prototypes and tree shelters.
- Chestnut Bio has secured a patent for its novel biopolymer materials and is commercialising the developed materials.
- Further collaborative development focusing on other biopolymer products that could replace current fossil fuel-based formulations.
Impact
Our collaboration has enabled Chestnut Bio to move swiftly from a research-based start-up to a trading company with huge potential for commercial success – bridging innovation’s so-called “valley of death.”
The novel biopolymers provide a sustainable nature-based substitute for today’s fossil fuel-based products, radically reducing carbon footprint and environmental impact. In 2023, product trials are underway in 35 sites across the UK, from the Orkneys to Cornwall. Meanwhile, Chestnut Bio has been granted a patent covering the technology and has made its first commercial sales.
Not only is Chestnut Bio’s innovative solution changing how saplings and the environment are being protected with its non-toxic, biodegradable tree guard system, it’s now working to widen its product portfolio, including the encapsulation of active ingredients. It’s in discussions with major global players to supply plant-based biopolymer substitutes for current fossil-based components to help these companies reduce their carbon footprints.
We first worked with Chestnut Bio on our IMPACT (Innovative Materials via Precision Additive Coating Technologies) project, which was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. We collaborated further with support from an Innovate UK Smart Grant.
Related
Technologies
![](https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_563202078.jpeg?w=1920&h=1080&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725615155&s=f18a3feba04c96de99cdf775e7cbb5c8 1920w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_563202078.jpeg?w=1120&h=630&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725615155&s=4e0a94ac67ea4cec08ac32494d291e57 1120w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_563202078.jpeg?w=2240&h=1260&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725615155&s=939bcbff525c53527503b7b3fc93b295 2240w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_563202078.jpeg?w=800&h=450&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725615155&s=99818a818feec0a03a03f1ce10fd594c 800w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_563202078.jpeg?w=1600&h=900&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725615155&s=8995656ebbec8c5e8e23a05cd1922a8b 1600w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_563202078.jpeg?w=480&h=270&q=60&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725615155&s=93b4da7c09f8ba2fd83ae7254111b791 480w, https://optimise2.assets-servd.host/smart-hoopoe/production/content/images/AdobeStock_563202078.jpeg?w=960&h=540&q=45&fm=jpg&fit=crop&dm=1725615155&s=0fb253c68814aec0b25627806d4a2810 960w)