The Aitiip Technology Centre (Zaragoza / Spain; www.aitiip.com) has launched the “Citruspack” project, which aims to use plant by-products as natural additives to reinforce 100% biodegradable plastic bottles and containers. The project is part of the EU's “LIFE” programme that makes up the region’s sustainable development strategy for the environment and climate.

Aitiip is coordinating Citruspack, which also includes partners AMC Innova Juice and Drinks (Murcia / Spain; www.amcgrupo.eu), supermarket chain Eroski (Elorrio / Spain; www.eroski.es), OWS (Ghent / Belgium; www.ows.be), Plastipolis (Oyonnax / France; www.plastipolis.fr) and Tecos (Celje / Slovenia; www.tecos.si).

At the end of the project, the researchers and participating companies will offer three solutions for the packaging and cosmetic sectors. The juice bottles, which will be manufactured by blown film extrusion and must meet strict technical requirements as well as being biobased and eco-friendly, will be the first demonstration product. "We want to test and quantify the acceptance of consumers during the project to reach the market,” said Carolina Peñalva, project coordinator and the responsible person for packaging at Aitiip.

The Spanish technology centre has also developed a biobased and biodegradable film for improving soil properties as part of another LIFE project called “Multibiosol” – see Plasteurope.com of 10.06.2016.