At the Waste2BioComp project, we are proud to work with a network of dedicated professionals helping to drive circular innovation in materials, manufacturing, and beyond. We’re excited to introduce you to one of our ambassadors, Rick Passenier, Founder and Board Member at GO!PHA.
Rick is a catalyst for sustainable innovation in the field of bio-based and biodegradable materials. He brings a visionary mindset to the W2BC community by championing the development and adoption of PHA materials as part of a broader mission to enable circular, nature-aligned solutions across industries.
We asked Rudy a few questions to get to know him better and here’s what he had to say:
- Considering your work with the UN Global Treaty on Plastics, how can such global policies align with initiatives like W2BC to ensure a wider adoption of sustainable practices?
Global policies like the UN Treaty on Plastics play an important role in creating the right conditions for upstream solutions—including material substitution and innovation in bio-based systems—to scale responsibly. One of GO!PHA’s key recommendations have been for the treaty to clearly define and distinguish sustainable alternatives and substitutes for conventional plastics, with harmonized assessment criteria grounded in science.
Initiatives like W2BC illustrate how waste-derived, bio-based materials can contribute to these goals. The work on PHAs and other biodegradable compounds aligns with broader treaty objectives around reducing plastic pollution at the source and encouraging safer, circular material flows. Global frameworks that support such science-backed alternatives through standardization and regulatory clarity can help ensure these materials are assessed fairly and integrated into systemic change where appropriate.
- What are the most exciting achievements from the W2BC project that can transform your sector?
From GO!PHA’s perspective, what stands out in the W2BC project is its technical work on bio-based materials with potential relevance for multiple sectors. This includes producing different types of PHAs through both biogenic and chemical pathways, and developing use cases in packaging, textiles, footwear, and inks—all with attention to performance, safety, and end-of-life.
The integration of environmental assessments like toxicity testing, biodegradability, and early-stage chemical recycling trials adds to the knowledge base around how these materials behave and where they can be applied responsibly. For the broader sector, such findings contribute to ongoing discussions about safe material substitution and support informed decision-making across supply chains.
- How do you see the W2BC project influencing policies and strategic partnerships that drive bio-based solutions?
W2BC’s structure—as a multi-stakeholder consortium with industry and research partners—is consistent with the type of cross-sector collaboration GO!PHA sees as essential to advancing bio-based solutions. While each initiative has its specific goals, projects that generate practical outcomes and open data can support the development of clearer regulatory frameworks and enable better alignment across the value chain.
Evidence from W2BC, including material performance and environmental profiles, has the potential to inform policymakers and help shape common benchmarks or standards. It also offers learning opportunities for other actors exploring bio-based innovation, whether through partnerships, investment, or policy engagement.
- What are the biggest challenges in advocating for circular economy practices within the packaging industry?
Several structural challenges remain. First, existing infrastructure in many regions isn’t yet suited to handle the variety of new materials entering the market, especially those that are biodegradable or compostable. Second, the lack of harmonized standards, labelling, and testing protocols for these materials creates confusion and slows uptake.
From a market perspective, conventional plastics benefit from legacy systems and price advantages that make it difficult for alternative materials to compete, even when they offer better environmental outcomes. GO!PHA emphasizes that material substitution must go hand-in-hand with systems change—including clearer regulations, public education, and investments in end-of-life infrastructure. Initiatives that demonstrate compatibility with these broader needs, such as W2BC, can help move the conversation from theoretical potential to practical implementation.
We’re thrilled to have Rick as part of the W2BC ambassador team. His work and insights embody the spirit of innovation and collaboration that drives our mission forward.
Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight more ambassadors who are shaping the future of circularity!
