Project BESE-Elements: Coastal ecosystem restoration with Biodegradable Solutions
Coastal ecosystems are degrading at an alarming pace. Over the past century, 65% of the world's wetlands have disappeared or been compromised. To address this critical issue, Rodenburg partnered with BESE to develop biodegradable solutions for restoring these vital habitats.
The Challenge: marina ecosystem restoration
Restoring sensitive coastal ecosystems like salt marshes and mangroves is challenging. Traditional methods often use non-biodegradable materials like plastic and metal, which don’t naturally integrate with the environment. Our team aimed to create a temporary, biodegradable structure made from waste or renewable resources.
The Solution: biodegradable 3D sheets
The team developed BESE elements: biodegradable 3D sheets made from waste starch from the Dutch potato industry. The bioplastics were formulated to meet several requirements such as brittleness and deterioration time that ensure the material slowly degrades to become part of the natural environment. BESE elements have successfully been used in various restoration projects.
Partners
The project’s success is the result of a strong collaborative effort. Rodenburg contributed expertise in material science, Wageningen University offered scientific insights to improve bioplastic properties, and ENEXIO Water Technologies and Bureau Waardenburg added crucial expertise in the areas of ecological restoration and water tech.