UPDATE: EcoPHA Biotech and Terra Sol Studio have won the Energy & Renewables Award at the 2025 InnovationAus Awards, marking a significant breakthrough in commercial PHA innovation. The award, announced in Sydney, Australia, recognizes their development of marine biodegradable PHA biomaterials that promise to transform industries facing plastic pollution.
This victory highlights the companies’ pioneering work in creating commercially viable products from PHA, a biopolymer derived through natural fermentation processes. These materials are not only microplastic-free but also offer real solutions across various sectors including textiles, packaging, and biomedical applications.
The partnership between EcoPHA and Terra Sol is particularly noteworthy as it represents one of Australia’s first end-to-end PHA commercialization pipelines, ready for immediate adoption in the market. This collaboration combines EcoPHA’s scientific expertise with Terra Sol’s design prowess, making the transition from laboratory to market a reality.
“The momentum around PHA has been incredible,” said Louise Sykes, CEO of Terra Sol Studio. “Every conversation feels like a doorway to a new idea and a new partnership. This material is going to change industries.”
Following their award win, the companies are set to expand aggressively into the United States, Europe, China, Singapore, and the broader Asia-Pacific markets by 2026. Key sectors targeted for expansion include luxury fashion, hospitality, and sustainability-focused events.
EcoPHA and Terra Sol’s PHA materials can be engineered into a wide range of applications, including:
- Biodegradable fibres and textiles
- Buttons, trims, and clasps for fashion
- Flexible films and wraps for packaging
- Moulded components for consumer goods
- Biomedical materials currently in early-stage research
This versatility not only positions the companies as leaders in sustainable materials but also addresses the urgent need for alternatives to traditional plastics, which are contributing to widespread environmental damage.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this award,” said Dr. Wilson Ling, founder of EcoPHA Biotech. “Our mission has always been clear: to create PHA materials that return safely to nature without leaving microplastics behind.”
This collaboration has also garnered significant attention, with Sykes being named a Future Innovator finalist and featured in the upcoming December issue of Vogue Magazine. The recognition underscores the vision and impact of their work in the climate-tech sector.
With the global demand for sustainable materials on the rise, EcoPHA and Terra Sol are poised to lead the charge in transforming how industries utilize bioplastics. As they prepare for a major rollout in 2026, all eyes will be on their next steps and the potential impact on global markets.
Their success at the InnovationAus Awards not only cements their position in the industry but also inspires a new era of innovation aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.
Stay tuned for updates on their expansion and the ongoing developments in the world of PHA innovation.
