This proposal builds on our research team's work on bioplastics fabrication and characterization and machine learning. We propose developing a data-driven public platform, Bioplástico Territorial that provides the critical information needed for entrepreneurs to develop bioplastic packaging alternatives to petrochemical plastics using abundant sources of local algae biopolymers. First, the platform will feature a database of bioplastic material properties, powered by machine learning data extraction from the scientific literature. This will enable entrepreneurs to input their performance criteria for a packaging application: for example, thin film that is strong, lightweight and flexible. The platform will then recommend a series of bioplastic formulations that meet these performance criteria.

Second, the platform will display the results of our pilot production process conducted in collaboration with local algae producers in the Los Lagos region. This pilot will involve the following steps: mapping of available algae biomass for making bioplastics (taking into account regeneration rates and volumes of sustainable harvest), extraction of biopolymers, fabrication of bioplastic films, and characterization of material properties.