独家专访 | 二十年磨一剑！他打破PHA成本困局，携万吨级技术回国圆梦！

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the innovative approach of Ecopha Biotech, founded by Dr. Wilson Ling, to significantly reduce the cost of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) production by utilizing non-food plant oils, specifically Pongamia oil, as a raw material, aiming to compete with traditional petroleum-based plastics [2][9][31]. Group 1: Industry Background - The biodegradable materials market, including PLA and PBAT, has faced challenges such as oversupply and performance limitations, leading to a decline in production rates [6][7]. - PHA stands out due to its advantages like "biomanufacturing," "marine biodegradability," and high thermal resistance (up to 100°C), with the global market expected to reach $367 million by 2030 [6][9]. - The current cost of PHA exceeds 40,000 yuan per ton, making it difficult to compete with petroleum-based plastics priced below 10,000 yuan per ton [7][9]. Group 2: Company Background - Ecopha Biotech was established in June 2025, with Dr. Wilson Ling returning to China after years of research and entrepreneurship abroad, driven by the desire to overcome the cost barriers of PHA production [9][19]. - The company aims to leverage a patented strain of bacteria and non-food oils to achieve a significant reduction in production costs [9][22]. Group 3: Raw Material Cost Reduction - The primary focus for cost reduction is on raw materials, which account for over 50% of PHA production costs. Traditional sugar-based routes have a conversion rate capped at 30%, leading to high costs [22][23]. - Dr. Ling's research determined that using plant oils, particularly Pongamia oil, could achieve a conversion rate of over 80%, significantly lowering production costs [22][31]. - Pongamia oil is non-food, cost-effective (half the price of palm oil), and has a high yield, making it suitable for sustainable production [25][30][31]. Group 4: Technological Advancements - Ecopha Biotech has completed laboratory and pilot-scale validations for using Pongamia oil and has designed a process package for a large-scale production line [32]. - The company plans to focus on medical products initially, targeting the Australian market, where there is a high demand for biodegradable medical supplies [33]. - The first production line in China is expected to replace 15,000 to 20,000 tons of petroleum-based plastics annually once operational [33]. Group 5: Future Outlook - Dr. Ling envisions that the real competition for PHA is not other bioplastics but the vast quantities of petroleum-based plastics that contribute to environmental pollution [34]. - The company aims to collaborate with domestic peers to promote the large-scale industrialization of PHA, potentially alleviating plastic pollution issues as production scales up [34].