Introduction
The GREEN-LOOP project, co-funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe program, aims to revolutionize the production of bio-based materials by developing sustainable manufacturing technologies. A key goal is to replace traditional fossil-based plastics with biodegradable and compostable alternatives. A significant achievement in this endeavour has been the development of bioplastic compounds tailored for use in bottle caps for Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVO) produced by another Italian partner, Le Terre di Zoé.
The Italian company Mixcycling, member of Green-Loop Consortium, successfully formulated a bioplastic blend utilizing Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate (PHBH), combined with cork as a natural filler. This blend represents a paradigm shift towards materials that not only fulfil the functional requirements of traditional plastics but also align with the growing demand for sustainability. The blend has emerged as the most effective formulation. This choice of materials is strategic, as both PLA and PHBH are biodegradable, derived from renewable resources, and designed to break down effectively in various environmental conditions. Moreover, the addition of cork to this bioplastic not only improves its strength and durability but also reduces its environmental impact. This makes it an ideal choice for eco-friendly packaging solutions to be produced by our GREEN-LOOP partner, Guala Closures La Brenta.
One of the standout features of the developed bioplastic materials is their potential to significantly improve environmental sustainability in the packaging industry. The biodegradable nature of these materials allows for organic recycling, enabling waste to be converted into valuable compost. This process not only helps mitigate the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills but also contributes to enriching soil quality and fostering a circular economy. Furthermore, the blend formulated has demonstrated outstanding mechanical properties that align with the performance requirements of traditional bottle caps. The blend’s composition ensures durability, flexibility, and resistance to common stresses faced during everyday use. These characteristics are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the caps, thus preserving the quality of the products they seal, such as olive oil.
Throughout the project, extensive testing and trials have affirmed the viability of these bioplastic alternatives in food and beverage packaging. The results indicate substantial progress towards key environmental objectives, including a marked reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced material circularity. Notably, the trials confirmed that the blend formulated can be processed effectively using existing injection moulding technologies, thus enabling its adoption across various applications.
The findings from the GREEN-LOOP project set a robust foundation for future advancements in bioplastic applications. The success achieved thus far highlights the potential for these sustainable materials to replace traditional plastics not just in bottle caps but across a wide array of packaging solutions. As the project continues, ongoing research and development efforts will focus on refining the properties of these bioplastics, optimizing their processability, and ensuring they meet the stringent demands of the packaging industry.
