Aimplas (Valencia; www.aimplas.net), the Spanish plastics technology centre, said it has enlarged its facilities by 2,200 m² to meet demand for its circular economy research and other environmental services.

The EUR 2.47 mn cost of the extra space was met by the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE) and created new pilot plants, laboratories, and work areas.

The pilot plant will investigate polymer synthesis chemical processes and research into the use of CO₂ as a renewable raw material as well as develop new chemical recycling processes and conduct research for the medical industry. The centre recently announced that it is overseeing a project to turn carbon into methanol (see Plasteurope.com of 27.07.2022).

Aimplas president José Luis Yusá highlighted the centre’s impact on driving sustainability issues, noting the return generated by activities was “EUR 13.7 for every euro invested”.