AIMPLAS: New sustainable packaging to allow a longer preservation of food products
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Extending the shelf life of food is one of the challenges of the food sector. Currently, modified atmosphere processes are used in the case of meats and fresh food, as well as packaging including multilayer structures with metallized materials for snacks, resulting in products made from non-renewable sources which are also very difficult to recycle.
In order to achieve environmentally sustainable packages allowing to preserve food in optimal conditions for longer period, AIMPLAS coordinates the project REFUCOAT. By means of the investigations that will be carried out in the project, innovative material based on biopolymers will be developed, thus replacing those currently used in food packaging in the form of films and trays.
Specifically, polyglycolic acid (PGA) is going to be combined with modified silica oxide in order to formulate a hybrid coating with oxygen and water vapour barrier properties. Furthermore, a new PLA grade from corn wastes will be developed, with better water vapour barrier values than commercial grades. These developments are going to be combined in order to create recyclable packages for chicken, cereals and snacks.
In the project REFUCOAT a total of 12 partners from five countries take part. It is funded by the European Union.
About AIMPLAS, Plastics Technology Centre
The research and technology centre is located in Spain, and it has more than 25 years of experience in offering solutions to companies of the plastics industry (manufacturers of raw materials, processors and end users).
The service of the center comprises the development of integral and customised solutions by coordinating and developing R&D projects, technical assistance, analysis and testing, competitive intelligence and training.
AIMPLAS has an infrastructure of 8,500 m2 with the most comprehensive technical resources.
