MIRI – Researchers from Curtin University, Malaysia have secured the Curtin Global Award at the 2025 Curtinnovation Awards in Perth.
Their project, ‘Waste to Bioplastic – Transforming Waste Biomass into Next-Gen Bioplastics,’ was selected from a record 109 submissions for its innovative approach to tackling plastic pollution and agricultural waste.
The research team, led by Associate Professor Tan Inn Shi, has developed a green bioprocess that converts marine macroalgae and oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) into fermentable sugars.
This is achieved through proprietary techniques involving ozonolysis and dilute acid treatment. These sugars are then used in microbial fermentation to produce high-purity lactic acid, the essential building block for polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics.
Professor Vincent Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, described the achievement as a prestigious recognition that reinforces the institution’s role as a hub of world-class innovation.
The win underscores Curtin Malaysia’s consistent performance on this global stage. Previous accolades include the 2021 award for ‘AgriSmartEye,’ a tool for analysing black pepper, and the 2023 award for ‘Pine Sense,’ an AI technology for predicting pineapple quality.
Associate Professor Tan highlighted the project’s broader significance, stating it not only provides a sustainable plastic alternative but also creates a value-added pathway for agricultural waste, supporting circular economy practices.
This award adds to Associate Professor Tan’s recent accolades, including the national IEM Young Engineer Award 2025 for her pioneering work in sustainable engineering.
The university has an established record in sustainable material research. This includes a separate, highly-commended project at the 2024 IChemE Malaysia Awards for transforming macroalgae waste into bioplastics.
The annual Curtinnovation Awards celebrate Curtin University’s commitment to transforming research into products and services that benefit communities worldwide.