Research in Bioplastics

Bioplastics are the alternative to conventional plastics that have sparked interest in society, industry and among researchers, due to the global need to place more sustainable solutions onto the market and to the numerous applications they offer.

Bioplastics have many applications and over time, they have carved themselves a niche in the vast majority of industrial sectors, though their use is especially prevalent in the packaging, transport and automotive industries. Their increased acceptance is mainly due to two factors: their environmental benefits and the fact that their technical properties are very similar to those of conventional materials.

AIMPLAS has over 20 years of experience in bioplastics.

This research line has two main areas:

  • Plastics and reinforcements from natural renewable sources, such as flax, jute, hemp, agricultural waste, and cellulose, as well as bioplastics synthesized by biotechnology from biomonomers.
  • Biodegradable plastics from fossil or non-renewable sources.

AIMPLAS has completed over 150 R&D&I biopolymer and biocomposite projects since 1997. This track record as experts in the field places us at the forefront of the development of new, more eco-friendly materials and products. Some of our most important research lines are:

  • Developments in PHB.
  • Projects related to obtaining PLA packages.
  • Developments using natural fibres.
  • Development of biodegradable and compostable materials for agriculture.
  • Flame-retardant bioplastics.
  • High added-value products from vegetable, industrial and municipal solid waste.
  • Biocomposites that can be recycled.
  • Biofabrics for clothes.
  • Biocomposites with advanced properties for construction and transport.
  • Development of PVOH grades that are more cost-efficient than EVOH.
  • Biocomposites from resins obtained from renewable sources.

Other lines of research