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Demonstrative process for the production and enzymatic recycling of environmentally safe, superior and versatile PHA-based rigid packaging solutions by plasma integration in the value chain.

Project description

New bio-packaging solutions based on natural polyesters

Reducing plastic waste is a priority for the EU. As currently the majority of plastic packaging waste is landfilled, new targets have been set to increase recycling rates to 55 % by 2030. Along this path, the EU-funded BioSupPack project is upscaling new, economically convenient and high-performing rigid packaging solutions based on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which are polyesters produced in nature by numerous microorganisms. PHA are also suitable for being recycled and recovered. As such, BioSupPack will contribute to the creation of a new bio-cluster/value chain connecting the agri-food, bio-plastics, pulp and paper, and packaging sectors. Specifically, it will test the use of brewery industry by-products (spent grain) as a fermentation feedstock for PHA production.

Objective

BioSupPBioSupPack goal is to deliver novel, cost-competitive and versatile bio-based packaging solutions based on PHA, that demonstrate high-performance for the packaging of food, cosmetics, homecare and beverage products as well as no environmental damage during & after their use, by means of:
1. Optimization of PHA based formulations based on significantly use of >85% w/w of renewable resources.
2. Upscale the different conversion processes as well as post-consumers waste sorting & recycling following advanced industry 4.0 approach.
3. Broad the range of rigid packaging applications by tailoring biobased materials & packaging properties through the optimization of the formulations in combination with plasma technology or grafted coatings.
4. Integrate plasma technology in 3 different points of the value chain(biomasss pre-treatment, packaging production & packaging waste pre-treatment) increasing: i)PHB production yield, ii)PHB purity, iii) packaging performance(high oxygen & water barrier) and iv effectiveness & yield of enzymatic recycling.
5. Demonstrate and increase recyclability through:i) setting up a real-time monitoring system for the selective separation of developed packaging after its use; ii) mechanical recycling of industrial scraps and selective enzymatic recycling of packaging waste as the best EoL, with the final recovery of carbon sources for feedstock fermentation. Thus, the new packaging is environmentally safe(sustainable and improved value from enzymatic recycling) and contributes to Circular Economy(CE).
6. Establish a new value chain including the development of logistics and management of both the brewery and packaging waste.
Complying with the industry needs (cost/performance competitive vs. fossil-based non-biodegradable counterparts and legislative compliance),as well as with consumers´ awareness, BioSupPack will have a great impact on EU bioplastics & end users’ sectors, the biorefineries and biotechnology industries and on the society.

Coordinator

AIMPLAS - ASOCIACION DE INVESTIGACION DE MATERIALES PLASTICOS Y CONEXAS
Net EU contribution
€ 667 584,00
Address
VALENCIA PARC TECHNOLOGIC CALLE GUSTAVE EIFFEL 4
46980 PATERNA VALENCIA
Spain

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Este Comunitat Valenciana Valencia/València
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
€ 741 760,00

Participants (18)