Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) represent an emerging area in the field of biodegradable plastics as they offer a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Despite their promise, the adoption of PHAs is hampered by the prohibitive costs associated with their production. Concurrently, food waste remains a pressing environmental challenge, as it contributes significantly to landfill volumes and waste management issues. Recognizing the synergy between these challenges, efforts are increasingly directed towards using food waste-derived nutrients as a viable and cost-effective feedstock for PHA production, thereby achieving a dual benefit of waste reduction and sustainable material production.

This Research Topic aims to explore the potential of food waste as a resource for producing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and other polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) with specific reusable enzymes. Investigations will focus on the impact of short-chain carboxylates such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, derived from food waste, on microbial growth and PHA production. Studies have demonstrated that these carboxylate mixtures enhance PHA yields more effectively than traditional glucose-based methods, highlighting a promising avenue for optimizing PHA synthesis from organic waste.

To gather further insights into the transformation of food waste into sustainable materials, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Generation methods for PHBV and PHA from food waste systems

• Characterization and enhancement of enzymes utilized in PHA production

• Techniques for minimizing and treating food waste during PHA synthesis

• Traditional versus emerging technologies in PHA production

Topic editor Dr. Jie Xu is employed by Corteva Agriscience (and declares no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic Subject). All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.

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Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from Food Waste Derived Nutrients for Biodegradable Plastic Applications