Bisguaiacols (BG)s are promising alternatives to Bisphenols (BP) in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins (e.g. used in food packaging, can coating). The 3 major advantages of BG over BP are 1) reduced endocrine disruption, 2) production from biomass feedstock as a renewable resource, 3) synthesis by green chemistry, assisted by a recyclable, highly selective catalyst. As such, the development of BG is testimony to Belgium’s commitment towards a more circular economy. Replacement of BP with BG is complicated by data scarcity, particular in toxicity endpoints, preventing a rationalized risk & health assessment.

BISGO is a joint proposal from Sciensano, University of Leuven and Ghent University that aims to advance BGs through the lower Technology Readiness Levels. 1) As a cost-effective and Science-based strategy, BISGO will fill toxicological data gaps early in the development process by combining standardized tests and new approach methodologies with advanced omics. 2) BISGO will exploit the versatility of the BG scaffold to expand the BG portfolio guided by machine learning with improved prediction algorithms. 3) BISGO will investigate the acute and long-term impact of BG on aquatic ecosystems.

BISGO will deliver proof of concept of a genuinely Safe and Sustainable-by-design BG-based alternatives for BP. Moreover, the generated technology will reach beyond BISGO and contribute to the rationalized development of chemicals to avoid regrettable substitution.