BIOPOX SRL

Their core work

BIOPOX is a Naples-based SME specializing in polymer formulation and bio-based material development. They work on designing biodegradable polymers, smart additives, and enzyme-triggered systems for plastic packaging recycling. Their applied chemistry expertise bridges the gap between laboratory biocatalysis and industrial polymer compounding, making them a formulation partner for projects that need to turn bio-based concepts into usable material products.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

BIOPOX entered H2020 through waste-to-energy work (WASTE2FUELS, 2016), focused on converting waste streams into biofuels. From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward bio-based polymers and enzymatic recycling of plastics, with TERMINUS and INTERfaces both centered on biocatalysis applied to materials. The trajectory shows a clear move from energy recovery to circular plastics — specifically enzyme-based approaches to making packaging recyclable or biodegradable.

BIOPOX is deepening into enzyme-enabled circular plastics, positioning themselves at the intersection of biocatalysis and polymer engineering — a space with growing regulatory and commercial demand in the EU.

How they like to work

BIOPOX always joins as a participant, never leading consortia — consistent with a specialist SME contributing formulation expertise to larger research efforts. With 53 unique partners across 16 countries from just 3 projects, they work in large, diverse consortia rather than small focused teams. This suggests they are comfortable operating in complex international projects and bring a defined, complementary skill set rather than competing for leadership.

Despite only 3 projects, BIOPOX has built a broad network of 53 partners across 16 countries, indicating participation in large European consortia. Their reach spans well beyond Italy, with significant pan-European connectivity for an SME of their size.

What sets them apart

BIOPOX sits at a rare intersection: they combine polymer formulation know-how with understanding of enzymatic and biocatalytic processes. Most polymer companies lack the biochemistry side; most biotech labs lack the compounding and formulation expertise. For any consortium working on bio-based or recyclable packaging, they offer the practical formulation bridge between enzyme science and a usable plastic product.

Highlights from their portfolio

• TERMINUS
  Directly targets enzyme-triggered recycling of multi-layer packaging — their largest funded project (EUR 248K) and closest to their core polymer formulation identity.
• INTERfaces
  An MSCA training network on biocatalytic cascades, signaling BIOPOX's investment in next-generation enzyme immobilization skills beyond their traditional polymer work.