We are proud to announce the successful completion of a UK grant-based feasibility study into enzyme-assisted biodegradation for biobased nappy components. It brings us closer to solving one of the hygiene industry’s biggest unsolved problems: the lack of 100% biodegradable nappies. With the support of the Innovate UK £61K grant, this project is a key milestone for Plant Smart as we bring PlanetSorb^TM, our novel biodegradable superabsorbent polymer (bioSAP), to market. 

‍

Despite the industry shifting to so-called “eco” nappies, the reality is that none currently on the market are fully biodegradable. Most still rely on fossil-based SAPs and plastic-based or even biobased components, leaving behind microplastics and waste that remain for centuries. Consumers and regulators are demanding better. This is where we come in by launching PlanetSorb as the first high-performing, 100% naturally biodegradable SAP that naturally breaks down, even in landfills and home composting conditions. 

‍

During this project, our team investigated how an enzyme-assisted approach could accelerate PlanetSorb’s breakdown process, validating our material to outperform current technologies in terms of biodegradation in uncontrolled environments.

‍

The grant not only helped to fund our R&D, but it also allowed us to demonstrate that our technology aligns with market demand and manufacturability. It bridges the support from both forward-thinking public programmes and aligned strategic backers. As we move forward to the seed round, our team is focused on scaling development, finalising pilots with manufacturing partners, and setting new standards for the biodegradable SAP industry.

‍

The project was carried out in partnership with the University of Manchester, chosen for their deep expertise in soft matter and material science. Led by Dr. Ahu Gumrah Perry, a leading researcher in bioinspired functional materials, the team brought invaluable insight and skills to PlanetSorb’s biodegradation testing. Experiments were conducted at the Henry Royce Institute, where over £200 million in materials and science infrastructure was available for extensive testing, including electron microscopes, GPC, rheometers, FTIR, and more. A small-scale composter, that mimics real-world home composting conditions, allowed us to test our enzyme-assisted biodegradation approach in the specific environments that PlanetSorb is designed for. 

‍

This grant helped us to achieve an important factor within our broader fundraising strategy, preparing PlanetSorb for market entry. With momentum building, Planet Smart is now focused on scaling development, forming new partnerships, and bringing fully biodegradable nappies to market.