Aimplas, the Spanish Technological Institute for Plastics (Valencia; www.aimplas.es), is developing bioplastics synthesis processes to enable the materials to compete with traditional plastics. The “Sintepol” project is developing single-stage biopolymer synthesis and modification routes using reactive extrusion processes. Using this technology, competitive production processes for biopolymers can be achieved in the future, the institute said.

The aim of the project is to increase knowledge of reactive extrusion processes and the introduction of chemical modifications in biopolymers, to improve their mechanical properties and obtain materials suitable for demanding applications, while providing high added value in competition with conventional plastics.

Work on the project in 2014 focused on improving the plasticity and thermal resistance of biopolyesters. Two approaches were adopted for the purpose of enhancing the plasticity of PLA – using plasticisers derived from fatty acids by means of reactive extrusion processes and through the synthesis of new plasticisers to make them fully compatible with PLA. Aimplas is also coordinating the work of seven European companies on developing new biodegradable packaging for dairy products – see Plasteurope.com of 14.07.2014.