Social challenges of plastics

The use of plastic materials in medicine has contributed to improving patients’ quality of life, to increasing hygiene, and reducing costs. Yet there are no limits as to where future innovation in the health industry will take the use of plastic materials.

In AIMPLAS, we carry out research into the development, improvement and characterisation of biocompatible polymeric materials for medical applications, such as prostheses, bone regeneration, and tissue reconstruction. We contribute to improving radiotherapy treatments thanks to innovative polymeric markers.

We develop coatings with antibiotic properties for medical supplies and add special characteristics to floors and walls, such as electrostatic dissipation, electromagnetic shielding and antimicrobial properties. We also improve the electrical conductivity of plastics for medical monitoring devices for patients.

In addition, we develop adapted smart packages that increase the shelf life of drugs, provide additional information about them and improve the ways doctors and patients use them.

The concept of ‘Industry 4.0’ or the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ involves applying digital technologies to manufacturing and to a company’s value chain, and includes new organisation, management and exploitation models.

Companies must adapt to this new context, which will be directly rewarded with increased productivity, competitiveness and enhanced results.

In AIMPLAS, we enable companies to take advantage of the opportunities that technologies offer, such as additive manufacturing, plastronics and functional printing. We perform a situation diagnosis and help in process digitalisation.

The aim is to encourage companies to move forward on the road towards the ‘factory of the future’ in order to achieve a sustainable, modern and integrated productive environment within the concept of Industry 4.0.

The circular economy redefines growth models by integrating environmental and economic aspects. It proposes a continuous development cycle in which the value of products, materials and resources remains the same for as long as possible and includes maximum reductions in waste generation.

The aim is to become a competitive, sustainable economy, which is low in carbon (LCE) and efficient in terms of resources.

In AIMPLAS, we help companies to apply the Circular Economy principles to their business model so that legislative changes affecting the plastics industry can be transformed into opportunities and they can become more efficient, reduce their environmental impact and become more profitable. To achieve this, we work and carry out research in areas such as recycling, materials and biodegradable products, as well as the use of biomass and CO₂ to develop innovative solutions that help to solve today’s environmental challenges.

Environmental sustainability is one of the main challenges facing today’s society and it is essential to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that produce global warming.

In AIMPLAS, we work to develop new low-cost and more efficient technologies to better capture and use of CO₂. We also help companies to reduce their carbon footprint.

We innovate to make buildings more efficient and help companies optimise their transformation processes in order to reduce energy consumption.

We also work hard to develop sustainable materials based on renewable sources.

How can we help to decarbonize your industrial activity? »

The world’s population and, by extension its purchasing power, are increasing. The agri-food industry needs to step up production whilst ensuring this is compatible with food safety and generating less food waste.

The packaging industry is making huge efforts to respond to these challenges using technology. In AIMPLAS, we help companies to develop new packaging solutions that extend the shelf life of packaged products, inform the consumer about the condition of the products contained in them, and feature new functions or properties. Our work in this area has already led to several successful smart and active packaging products already being brought to market.

In addition, we help companies comply with plastics legislation on food contact and with hygiene protocols and good manufacturing practices.

The plastic waste generated in agriculture and forestry is a problematic area given that this waste is often difficult to recycle after harvesting.

AIMPLAS looks for solutions to reduce the impact of plastic in agriculture by developing new materials and biodegradable products that are compostable in the crop soil.

We also use forestry and agricultural waste to obtain biopolymers and additives or to use them as fibres and fillers in plastic products.

To maximise the quality of harvests, we develop natural repellents that are added to plastic products and contribute to pest control, thus avoiding damage caused by insects.

Sustainable mobility fosters better use of energy resources and seeks to reduce the impact that the movement of goods and people has on the environment and society.

One of the main challenges is the reduction of CO₂ emissions. In order to promote cleaner transport, we need more efficient engines, more aerodynamic shapes and lighter vehicles to cut back on energy consumption.

Plastic materials play a key role in weight reduction. AIMPLAS contributes to the construction of lighter vehicles that are less polluting thanks to high-performance composites, materials with advanced properties, special coatings and the replacement of traditional materials, such as steel or glass, with plastics that offer similar or enhanced performance.