Objective
The idea of the project is to prove the feasibility of industrial-scale manufacture of biotechnological polymers (biodegradables) for use in horticultural and fruit crops as a substitute for conventional plastics (PE, PVC, etc.). This will be accomplished using experiments applied in the field.
The project will demonstrate biotechnological polymer manufacture (starch derivatives). Two ranges of application for the material will be developed: the replacement of conventional plastics to cover fruit and horticultural crops, and its use as a food wrapper.
Biotec, a subsidiary of the German group Melitta, has developed a pilot-scale production process for the plastic film it wishes to produce at an industrial scale. In doing so, the company has used both the experience and the plastic production technology of the two Spanish partners, Ribawood and Nature-Pack, and also the proximity of the latter to areas with a massive usage of conventional plastics.
The field experiments will be highlighted for their help in establishing precise technical specifications for the most appropriate material and its raw materials.
This raw material, starch-rich plants, is also an outstanding aspect: the success of the project may well pave the way to alternative uses for some areas of present surplus agricultural production in the EU.
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
50001 Zaragoza
Spain