The ninth online EcoPlastiC Steering Meeting (SM) was held on March 28, 2025, where partners discussed the final stages of the project.

Within WP4, various extraction methods were assessed by 

, where supercritical carbon-dioxide (CO₂) exhibited very promising results. Microscopy analyses revealed that cells were disrupted, exposing PHA granules, suggesting CO₂ could be used as a pre-treatment to enhance PHA accessibility. From the organic solvents, dimethyl carbonate DMC provided the best results, achieving a 43% recovery efficiency with high purity. Moreover, alkali/enzymatic extraction was explored using wet biomass containing 60% PHB. A recovery efficiency of 96% was achieved with high purity and properties similar to chloroform-extracted PHB. The next steps involve continued optimization of enzymatic extraction methods and further characterization of polymers for packaging applications. The 

 team is currently optimizing enzymatic extractions using a 

 worm protein mix and conducting experiments with other worm types. At 

, a protocol was followed for a batch phase and two feeding phases fermentation, where TPA was used as a control. Observations indicated that the first 24 h of feeding phases are critical for biomass growth, while no significant increase is observed afterwards.

 has been working on the recyclability of single-cell protein (SCP-) and PHA-rich biomasses. Experiments were carried out by re-pressing the materials 6 times, with folding of the film between pressings, which demonstrated that materials retain their flexibility. Experiments of hydrolytic degradation and degradation in soil are ongoing. In parallel, they are preparing several scientific publications. At 

, films from NOVA were tested and they demonstrated strong mechanical properties. Their work in progress includes research on protein-based adhesives.

reported that all target Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for all activities have been achieved, but that partners are planning many more activities before project’s end. The team recently had several successful meetings with the industry representatives.

Representatives from all partner institutions attended the SM:

 (Ireland) - Marija Nicevic, Laura Rodriguez Barroso, Bor Shin Chee, Cuneyt Erdinc Tas, Buket Alkan Tas, Necdet Ozcelik, Zeliha Ece Ozcelik,

 (Belgium) – Kim Windey (Team Leader), Helena Koninckx

 (Portugal) –Patricia Concordio dos Reis

 (Serbia) – Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic (Team Leader), Jelena Simic, Marijana Ponjavic, Milica Ciric

EcoPlastiC Steering Meetings are held every two months to ensure the constant project progress.

Ninth EcoPlastiC Steering Meeting

Women have always been at the forefront of scientific discovery, shaping the world in countless ways with their innovative research, groundbreaking discoveries and tireless dedication. From Marie Curie's pioneering work in radioactivity to Rosalind Franklin's crucial contributions to the understanding of DNA, women's impact on science is both profound and far-reaching.

Despite their significant achievements, women in science have historically faced numerous barriers, including limited access to education, lack of recognition and underrepresentation in leadership roles. Yet, their persistence and resilience continue to break down these barriers, paving the way for future generations of female scientists. Today, more than ever, it's essential to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in science, as their unique perspectives and diverse experiences lead to more comprehensive and innovative solutions to the world's most pressing challenges.

As we honor the incredible women who have shaped the scientific landscape, it's equally important to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of contemporary female scientists. Their work not only advances our understanding of the world but also inspires and empowers young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The EcoPlastiC team members were active in learning about this topic, as well as promoting and empowering others who are embarking on the same journey.

 series where Renée Adams, Professor of Finance at Said Business School, University of Oxford, and expert on corporate governance, bank governance and gender presented 

 joined TUS Women's Network Speaker series where Dr Catherine Cronin gave a Keynote Address on 

“Open Education, Digital and Data Literacy”

On 11 February 2025, to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, 

 was included as a speaker in a promotional video that presented and celebrated 

 in leading positions as Principal Investigators, Group Leaders, Project Coordinators and other, who discussed challenges for women in science and shared useful advices for future scientists:

On 11 February 2025, to celebrate diversity, equality and inclusion, NOVA hosted the 

 (#GWB2025). The theme was "Accelerating Equity in Science", while 'Peace' was as a central element of the celebration, believing that peace is fundamental to promoting equity in science, diversity and inclusion. 

 joined this event where Professor Isabel Esteves provided a visual journey through five years of GWB's flagship images, sharing her creative process and reflections along the way:

 attended the Circular Awards opening ceremony, dedicated to strengthening the role of businesswomen in the circular economy, with special invitation for registered female entrepreneurs or holders of Circular Vouchers. The UNDP announced that within the project 

"Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Local Communities by Applying the Principles of the Circular Economy in the Republic of Serbia – Circular Communities"

 realized together with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Serbia and with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), they are opening a new public call for financial assistance to women entrepreneurs with innovative business models to strengthen the role of businesswomen in the circular economy. Companies, startups, agricultural enterprises and cooperatives, as well as social enterprises led by women, are invited to submit innovative solutions and business models that promote the principles and values of the circular economy in practice:

The importance of (EcoPlastiC) Women in Science

The use of post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes, which often contain various additives and contaminants such as metals and pigments that make mechanical recycling and reusability difficult, as feedstocks for microbial synthesis of value-added bio-based products is an emerging sustainable strategy for managing such wastes. This study evaluated the ability of a strain isolated from a plastic-contaminated site, 

 sp. isolate Ave7, to use terephthalic acid (TPA) obtained by chemically depolymerizing PET waste, as sole feedstock for cell growth and production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and triacylglycerols (TAGs) as intracellular storage compounds. The fed-batch bioreactor cultivation resulted in a cell dry weight production of 3.85 g/L, with PHA and TAG contents of 15.0 wt.% and 15.4 wt.%, respectively. Overall, the culture consumed 16.5 g/L TPA over a period of 73 h. The produced PHA was mainly composed of 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) monomers (> 90 wt.%). The accumulated TAGs presented a fatty acids profile rich in octadecenoic acid (C

 sp. Ave7 demonstrated a high capacity for TPA removal, converting it into cell biomass, PHA and TAGs, thus rendering this bioprocess a promising solution to reduce the plastic waste burden, in a circular and sustainable approach.

Upcycling depolymerized PET waste into polyhydroxyalkanoates and triacylglycerols by a newly isolated Rhodococcus sp. strain