The BisGO project is tackling this challenge by developing bisguaiacols, a new class of materials designed to replace BPA in plastics. The goal is simple but ambitious: create alternatives that are safe for people and the planet and still work just as well.
Safe by Design, Sustainable by Nature
Unlike many older chemicals that were adopted before their risks were fully understood, bisguaiacols are being developed according to the principles of Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design. This means health, safety, and environmental impacts are considered right from the start—not as an afterthought.
Rethinking How We Test Safety
One of the most innovative aspects of BisGO is its approach to safety testing. The project avoids animal experiments, relying instead on advanced laboratory methods that use human cells. These tests can reveal whether a substance may disrupt hormones, damage DNA, or be toxic to cells.
Researchers also study how bisguaiacols are metabolised in the human body, since some chemicals can turn into harmful byproducts after breakdown. On top of that, BisGO looks at changes in transcriptional profiles. In other words, how exposure to bisguaiacols might alter patterns of gene activity in cells. This provides a deeper understanding of their potential long-term effects.
Considering the Environment Too
Safety doesn’t stop at human health. BisGO also investigates the ecotoxicity of bisguaiacols, how they may affect aquatic life and ecosystems if released into the environment. Since plastics and their ingredients often end up in rivers, oceans, and soils, understanding these impacts is critical to ensuring that new materials are truly sustainable.
Building a Better Foundation
To make this research possible, BisGO has created important resources, including a cell bank and strict quality-control systems. These ensure that results are reliable and can guide future development of safer chemicals.
A Safer Future for Plastics
The BisGO project shows that it is possible to design chemicals that meet society’s needs without repeating the mistakes of the past. By combining scientific innovation with ethical responsibility, BisGO is paving the way for a new generation of plastics—ones that are safer for people, sustainable for the planet, and ready to meet the demands of the future.
The FPS Economy is not responsible for the statements relating to the project results. The implementation of the projects remains the responsibility of the winners.
