Image: SOLUBLION
The University of Alicante Waste, Energy, Environment and Nanotechnology (REMAN) research group has developed a process for obtaining a water-soluble plastic material based on potato starch, which will soon be introduced on the market through the UA technology-Based Company Solublion, linked to the Alicante Science Park.
This new material is also compostable and biodegradable, so it is suitable for use as a flexible film, preferably in bags and packaging, and has great advantages over existing materials.
The development of this new material arose from a thesis on thermoplastic starch for the development of environmentally sustainable materials. This new material would make a relevant contribution to mitigating the impact caused by the poor management of conventional plastic waste as it does not generate an environmental problem at the end of its useful life in the event that, due to poor waste management, it ends up in natural ecosystems.
The consumption of worldwide plastic materials before the pandemic was around 370 million metric tons, a figure that could exceed 400 million in the coming years due to the increase in packaging and single-use materials.
The plastic developed by the REMAN group is highly stable and has a low migration rate. This group's solutions are intended for use in the packaging and single-use plastics industry as a direct replacement for conventional alternatives. In addition, their patented technology allows them to offer a wide range of mechanical performances, enabling them to tailor products to the needs of their customers.
Source: RUVID Association
Image: SOLUBLION