Citruspack project, a combination of circular economy and packaging, starts at Aitiip facilities

The project aims to demonstrate that sustainability and efficiency can be applied to agricultural and industrial practices by researching and boosting the potential of byproducts through their valorisation in a number of new value chains. From vegetal by-product to bottleThese vegetal side products, which origin is based on transformation processes, will be used as natural additives for the reinforcement of 100% biodegradable plastic bottles and containers. In addition, the cycle is completed using other elements for creams composition.In this way the project intends to valorise a maximum 80% of the raw material generated in the transformation process. A competitive and sustainable market solutionAt the end of the project researchers and participating companies will offer three solutions with high added value into the packaging and cosmetic sector. The juice bottles will be the first demonstrator."These bottles will be manufactured by blown extrusion. We want to test and quantify the acceptance of consumers during the project to reach the market"Carolina Pe?alva, Project coordinator and Responsible for Packaging at Aitiip Technology Centre.Besides being biobased and eco-friendly, bottles will have to comply with very serious technical requirements. In addition creams with natural additives from these by-products will be fabricated. The packaging will be also reinforced with the same material than the bottles. The projectThis project is coordinated by Aitiip and accounts with the partnership of AMC Innova Juice And Drinks S.L. (Spain), EROSKI (Spain), OWS Nv (Belgium), Plastipolis (France) and TECOS (Slovenia).Citruspack is part of the LIFE Program, which is the only financial instrument of the European Union dedicated exclusively to the environment. Its overall objective for the period 2004-2020 is to contribute to the sustainable development and achievement of the objectives and targets of the Europe 2020 Strategy and the relevant Union strategies and plans on environment and climate. This year is celebrating its 25th anniversary. More information: jal@aitiip.com?