16. Aug 2017
New project to derive bio-additives for biodegradable plastic bottles from vegetal by-products
ast month, the “Citruspack” project, a combination of circular economy and packaging, was launched at the Aitiip Technology Centre in Zaragoza, Spain.
The project aims to process plant by-products, using these to derive natural additives to reinforce 100% biodegradable plastic bottles and containers. These will then be valorised in a number of new value chains.
This project is coordinated by Aitiip and accounts with the partnership of AMC Innova Juice And Drinks S.L. (Spain), EROSKI (Spain), OWS Nv (Belgium), Plastipolis (France) and TECOS (Slovenia).
At the end of the project, the researchers and participating companies aim to offer three solutions for the packaging and cosmetic sectors. The juice bottles will be the first demonstrator product.
The bottles will be blow-moulded and must meet “very serious technical requirements”, as well as being biobased and eco-friendly, said Carolina Peñalva, project coordinator and the responsible person for packaging at Aitiip.
"We want to test and quantify the acceptance of consumers during the project to reach the market.”
Citruspack is part of the LIFE Program, which is the only financial instrument of the European Union dedicated exclusively to the environment. Its overall objective for the period 2004-2020 is to contribute to the sustainable development and achievement of the objectives and targets of the Europe 2020 Strategy and the relevant Union strategies and plans on environment and climate. This year it is celebrating its 25th anniversary.