Overview of the Be-UP project

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Be-UP Boosting the industrial uptake of biodegradable polymers for packaging applications by implementing digital tools and advanced techniques to achieve a holistic sustainability goal 1 Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Be-UP PARTNERS Be-UP Consortium is composed of 17 partners: ✓4 RTOs & University ✓2 Associations ✓1 Standardization body ✓5 SMEs ✓5 Industries 2 Funded by the call: Biodegradable polymers for sustainable packaging materials (Innovation Action) HORIZON-CL4-2024-RESILIENCE-01-35 ITENE coordinating Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. THE NEED Bioplastics market is experiencing a dynamic growth. 3 MAIN STRATEGIES UNDERLYING THE BE-UP PROJECT:: ✓EU's circular economy strategy and in particular the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy ✓European Green Deal by contributing to the fight against plastic pollution and supporting the EU’s climate goals, supported by the implementation of the SSbD Framework outlined by the EC ✓Design recyclable materials to support EU proposal for the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. THE NEED What are the main market challenges for bioplastics? 4 ✓Market penetration ✓Technical & Economic viability ✓Technical features Packaging market remains the largest market segment for bioplastics (43%) with a forecast to grow by 15% Demonstrate the technical and economic viability of bioplastics to increase production capacities and achieve economies of scale Improve the technical performance and introduce these materials in novel packaging applications ✓Demonstrate safety and sustainability Design of materials to fulfill sustainability and safety criteria. And to communicate and to create suitable and trustworthy standards and labels Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. GENERAL OBJECTIVE 5 Develop and demonstrate novel biodegradable and recyclable formulations for sustainable packaging materials to replace conventional ones like PE, PP and PET, while improving sustainability, and reducing up to 40%of GHG emissions, using efficient processes and guaranteeing their safety and security, to finally create an effective circular business model Match packaging requirements and biodegradability Physical and chemical blending techniques Biodegradation Assessment Sustainable, compostable, and safe materials Synthesis of Novel Biopolyesters Creating packaging Prototypes for validation Design Bioplastic Formulations - Compounding Process Optimization Lab tests and real environments Use of novel POSS Catalysts Prototype Production & Validation Enhancing Bioplastic Biodegradability and Performance Fossil-Based Materials Biodegradable Packaging Environmental impact from nonbiodegradable plastics Bioplastic Material Development Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Creating a mathematical model for biodegradation prediction. 4 Development of Biodegradable Packaging Assisted by Digital Tools Model Development Evaluating material breakdown in various environments. 5 3 Establishing industry standards for biodegradable packaging. Prototype Production Manufacturing and testing packaging prototypes. 2 Creating reference and novel biopolyesters for material base. Material Formulation Designing and optimizing bioplastic formulations for packaging. 1 Standardization Biopolyester Development 6 Biodegradation Assessment APPROACH Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 2 Creating reference and novel biopolyesters for material base. Material Formulation Designing and optimizing bioplastic formulations for packaging. 1Biopolyester Development APPROACH Innovative Biopolyester Synthesis & Polymerization: •Substitution of toxic metal catalysts. •Increase of bio-based content. •Modelling techniques (kMC). Optimized formulations of bioplastic materials: •Bio-based & high-performance additives. •Advanced Simulation/Modelling Techniques. •Reduction of operational time, Inline monitoring techniques. Development of Biodegradable Packaging Assisted by Digital Tools 3Prototype Production Manufacturing and testing packaging prototypes. Technical feasibility demonstration in an industrial environment of standard processing & converting technologies: •Blow film extrusion. •Cast film extrusion + Thermoforming. •Injection Moulding. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 4 Evaluating material breakdown in various environments. Biodegradation Assessment APPROACH Development of Biodegradable Packaging Assisted by Digital Tools Biodegradation mathematical model: •Criteria for the design of material/products/processes. •Production of simulation tools & Be-UP online assessment platform. Implementation of biodegradation tests: •Under both, controlled laboratory conditions & in real conditions (controlled and in open environments). •Establishment of correlations to predict lifetime & real fate of biodegradable products at its EoL. Creating a mathematical model for biodegradation prediction. Model Development 5 Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HADEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Establishing industry standards for biodegradable packaging. Standardization 6 APPROACH Contribution to fill the gap between behavior of biodegradable materials in laboratory and controlled conditions and different real environments. Recommendations for improved standards and labelling. Development of Biodegradable Packaging Assisted by Digital Tools