Biobased PHA Cutting Board Designed To Reduce Microplastic Pollution
Dutch start-up BitByBit has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a cutting board made from 100% PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), a biobased polymer produced by microorganisms. The project responds to growing concerns about microplastic pollution caused by conventional plastic cutting boards during daily use.
Founder Wessel Schönekerl developed the idea after previously selling polypropylene cutting boards. He began questioning why such an everyday kitchen product should leave permanent traces of microplastics in food, the human body, and the environment. This led to the creation of BitByBit, a company focused on developing circular alternatives for household products.
Unlike fossil-based plastics, PHA is produced through a natural fermentation process using plant-based sugars or oils. Microorganisms generate the polymer inside their cells, after which the material is extracted and processed into a durable biopolymer suitable for consumer applications.
Designed For Daily Use And Circular End-Of-Life
BitByBit designed the cutting board to perform like a conventional plastic board while offering a different end-of-life scenario. The board is dishwasher-safe, moisture-resistant, heat-resistant, and suitable for everyday kitchen use. At the same time, the company states that the material can biodegrade under natural conditions such as soil, compost, and marine environments.
According to BitByBit, any small particles released during use do not persist as conventional microplastics. The company explains that PHA is biocompatible and can be broken down by microorganisms, including within the human body.
For the material development, BitByBit collaborated with Dutch material specialist Helian Polymers. Together, the companies developed a PHA formulation suitable for a functional consumer product such as a cutting board.
The material formulation has received TÜV Austria certifications for OK Compost Home, OK Compost Soil, and OK Compost Marine. The board also complies with relevant European food-contact standards.
Produced In The Netherlands Using Renewable Energy
BitByBit manufactures the cutting boards in the Netherlands together with Wicro Plastics. The production process uses renewable solar and wind energy. The company also applies plastic-free packaging made from recyclable natural fibres.
The Kickstarter campaign aims to raise €10,000 to finance the first production run. In addition to standard consumer editions, BitByBit also offers custom-branded versions for hospitality, retail, and corporate gifting applications.
The project reflects a broader movement within product design towards biobased and circular materials that minimise long-term environmental impact without requiring users to change their daily habits.
Source & images: BitByBit