AIMPLAS
The Technological Institute of Plastics (AIMPLAS) exhibited at K, claiming developments in biodegradable packaging ‘made from left over sliced bread’, amongst others.
On display was what AIMPLAS claims is “the first biodegradable packaging for the cosmetic industry”, as well as packaging for the chemistry and healthcare sectors.
AIMPLAS says it is also making strides in the field of biodegradable packaging for the food industry. On display was a packaging application for fruit and vegetables which, in addition to being biodegradable, is also active, increasing the food lifespan by more than 15%.
Even more specifically, AIMPLAS is also developing a new type of packaging for semi-preserved fish (anchovies). This new product will have a sandwich structure, using co-injection technology. The outer layers will be made from polypropylene, whilst the inner layers will be made from wheat starch, which acts as an oxygen barrier. AIMPLAS is saying that the packaging will be recyclable, because the separation of polypropylene and starch is simple, the starch completely dissolves in water.
Finally, the group discussed its work in using by-products from the agri-food industry. In this context, AIMPLAS claims that new packaging is being developed for the baking industry, which is reportedly 100% biodegradable and made from left over sliced bread, as well as a biodegradable juice bottle made from waste water.
AIMPLAS announced the date of the Fifth International Seminar on Biopolymers and Sustainable Composites, one of the main meetings in the sector on a worldwide scale. The event is to be held from 6th to 7th March 2014 in Valencia.