SBIR Phase II: Upcycling Mixed Plastic Waste into Agricultural Products

NSF Award Search · 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $1,162,886 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to address the growing problem of mixed plastic waste by transforming that waste into something useful: an organic fertilizer that improves soil health. Most plastic waste today cannot be recycled and ends up in landfills or the environment, especially foam packaging and plastic films. This project aims to solve that problem by creating a system that chemically and biologically converts difficult-to-recycle plastics into a valuable product that farmers and gardeners can use. The result is a cleaner environment, reduced landfill burden, and a new domestic source of regenerative fertilizer. The project is also expected to create jobs and new revenue streams by combining waste recovery with sustainable agriculture. If successful, it could become a model for local recycling solutions that work in both urban and rural communities. The technical innovation in this project lies in using genetically modified microbes to help consume and convert melted-down plastic waste into a form that soil-dwelling decomposers can process into nutrient-rich castings. This approach brings together advances in plastic processing, microbial engineering, and soil science. Phase II research will focus on developing an integrated approach, iteratively combining optimized pyrolysis with advanced microbial digestion and enzyme-driven processes, to effectively convert mixed plastic waste into valuable ag

Key facts

NSF award ID
2506705
Awardee
PRAG LLC (FL)
SAM.gov UEI
WN42J93WE2K4
PI
Samuel J Baker
Primary program
01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
TECH FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT, SBIR Tech Enhan Partner (TECP)
Estimated total
$1,162,886
Funds obligated
$1,323,340
Transaction type
Cooperative Agreement
Period
07/15/2025 → 12/31/2027