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Environment
EU project aims to create bioplastics with complete hydrosolubility
A new type of packaging obtained from non-food agricultural raw materials which after use can be disposed of with ease thanks to its complete hydrosolubility. That is the aim of the ReBioFoam (Renewable Bio-polymer FOAMs) research project, financed under the EU Seventh Framework Programme and which involves 10 partners from 8 European Countries (Italy, Poland, Spain, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom), in association with ERRMA (European Renewable Raw Materials Association), a body devoted to Europe-wide promotion of the use of renewable raw materials in the energy and materials sectors.
The aim of project, coordinated by Novamont, a leading Italian company in the bioplastics sector, is to develop a new flexible and eco-sustainable process with a low energy impact for the production of expanded biodegradable packaging containing renewable raw materials. The expansion of the biopolymers will be obtained using microwave technology (using specially designed molding presses with innovative coatings), which will take advantage of the water naturally present in the materials used (Novamont biopolymers) as expansion agents.
The final application is protective packaging, a sector in which materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyurethane (EPU), polyethylene (EPE) and polypropylene (EPP) - all polymers of synthetic origin - are generally used. Novamont bioplastics may well be a significant opportunity for more sustainable types of packaging.
The project is due to run over 4 years and was officially launched on 1 February 2009. On 4 February Novamont hosted the so-called Kick-off Meeting attended by all of the partners as well as by representatives of the European Commission.
For further information on ReBioFoam please visit to www.rebiofoam.eu. This English-language site presents project contents in a schematic and simplified fashion, making it usable by non-specialists. This easy-access tool provides all necessary information such as project aims, structure, companies and individuals involved, news, photogalleries, etc. In addition, a half-yearly newsletter is also issued providing updates on the progress of the initiative.
ReBioFoam represents a new step for Novamont, which already has extensive experience in the area of European research projects, because this is the first time that the company is acting as a Coordinator of a huge project of very considerable strategic importance. The project has also allowed the company to establish or strengthen relations with leading research partners at a European level.
