BIO-MI DRUSTVO S OGRANICENOM ODGOVORNOSCU ZA PROIZVODNJU, ISTRAZIVANJEI RAZVOJ

Their core work

BIO-MI is a Croatian SME specializing in bioplastics, biodegradable polymers, and biobased materials for packaging and consumer products. They develop and test biopolymer formulations — from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) to PLA copolymers — and contribute expertise in eco-design, composting, and end-of-life management of plastic products. Their work spans the full lifecycle: from biobased feedstock conversion through material processing to recycling and upcycling of plastic waste. With 11 H2020 projects focused on replacing fossil-based plastics in food packaging and consumer goods, they are a dedicated circular bioeconomy player.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

BIO-MI's early work (2018–2019) concentrated on biobased polymer chemistry — developing polyamides, polyesters, and biobased caprolactam for large consumer products, alongside foundational work in biodegradable packaging materials and composting. From 2020 onward, the focus shifted decisively toward plastic waste upcycling (enzymatic degradation, bioconversion of PE/PET waste) and more applied food packaging solutions, with increasing attention to circular economy systems like smart labelling and food waste reduction. This evolution shows a company maturing from materials R&D toward full lifecycle solutions and waste-stream valorization.

BIO-MI is moving from developing new bioplastics toward closing the loop — enzymatic plastic degradation, waste upcycling, and integrated food-system sustainability — positioning them for Circular Economy and Farm-to-Fork calls.

How they like to work

BIO-MI operates exclusively as a consortium partner, never as coordinator, which is consistent with a specialized SME contributing technical know-how rather than managing large projects. With 183 unique partners across 27 countries in just 11 projects, they consistently join large, diverse consortia — averaging roughly 17 partners per project. This breadth suggests they are a sought-after specialist that different consortium builders invite for their bioplastics and packaging expertise.

BIO-MI has built an exceptionally wide network for an SME: 183 unique partners across 27 countries from just 11 projects. Their reach spans nearly all of the EU, with no apparent geographic clustering — they are a truly pan-European collaborator.

What sets them apart

BIO-MI stands out as a rare SME that covers the entire bioplastics value chain — from monomer synthesis and polymer formulation through processing, packaging application, and end-of-life management including composting, recycling, and enzymatic upcycling. Based in Croatia, they bring Central-South European industrial perspective to consortia often dominated by Western European partners, adding geographic diversity that EU evaluators value. Their combination of hands-on production capability with deep R&D involvement across 11 focused projects makes them a reliable, experienced partner for any biobased packaging or circular plastics initiative.

Highlights from their portfolio

• UNLOCK
  Their largest single grant (EUR 475,650) and a bold departure — converting poultry feather waste into keratin-based biodegradable materials, bridging bioeconomy with agriculture.
• upPE-T
  Tackles one of the hardest circular economy challenges: enzymatic degradation and bioconversion of PE and PET waste into new biodegradable food packaging.
• SISTERS
  Expands BIO-MI beyond materials into food system innovation — smart labelling, bio-based packaging, and food waste reduction across supply chains.