Green polymers

UBSIDE, a key player in sustainable materials innovation

Green polymers are now a strategic field for industry, and the expertise of UBSIDE — a subsidiary of the University of South Brittany and member of the Carnot MICA — is a major example. Dalyal Copin, research engineer within the organization, highlights UBSIDE’s core mission: to analyze, develop and transform materials while integrating their environmental impact from the outset. UBSIDE is particularly active in sustainable polymers, a rapidly growing field driven by regulatory, societal and industrial pressures.

Green polymers: formulation, recycling and impact assessment

UBSIDE’s approach to green polymers is based on three complementary pillars. It begins with material formulation and characterization, tailored to precisely meet the specifications of industrial partners. The second step focuses on end-of-life and second-life strategies: recycling, reshaping and reuse are central to these efforts, helping to reduce reliance on virgin materials.

The third pillar involves analyzing end-of-life impacts, including in-house studies on biodegradation and the potential generation of microplastic particles. This full control of the value chain—from formulation to degradation—positions UBSIDE as a partner capable of delivering materials that are both technically high-performing and environmentally responsible.

Innovative industrial applications of green polymers

UBSIDE’s work translates into concrete applications. One flagship project involves biodegradable nets used in fish farming and mussel farming. The challenge was twofold: to design a net that degrades at the right time while avoiding any negative impact on the marine environment. This development required several years of optimization to strike the right balance between mechanical performance and controlled biodegradation.

Another notable example lies in the valorization of existing materials. Used nets are ground into powder and then transformed through 3D printing. This approach has enabled the production of an armband worn by the captain of the Lorient football team, symbolizing both a virtuous recycling loop and a strong innovation showcase.