As reported to the Governing Council at its meeting yesterday, AIMPLAS worked on 299 R&D&I projects last year, 97 of which were international, involving 652 companies, including 173 from the Valencian Community and 486 SMEs. Thanks to these initiatives, companies achieved a return of €83.6 million, demonstrating that applied innovation is key to their development. Furthermore, the institute provided 7,630 technological services to 998 companies, delivered 218 training courses to more than 3,300 professionals, and strengthened its network to reach 860 member companies.
"At AIMPLAS, we are very clear that our main objective is to support companies in their innovation processes and help them become more competitive," stated its president, José Luis Yusá. "The 2024 figures demonstrate that more and more companies are relying on us to advance in sustainability, the development of new materials, and more efficient processes. Our collaboration with over 3,500 companies across all our activities and the economic return obtained from R&D&I projects are the best proof that innovation is a profitable and transformative investment for our productive sector.".
Furthermore, the technology center has reached 260 employees, of which 55% are women, and whose average age is 37 years.
Transition to a Circular Economy:
The Plastics Technology Institute (AIMPLAS) has continued to expand its activities dedicated to the circular economy. In 2024, it presented over 300 R&D&I projects, provided more than 1,100 technological services, and conducted 60 training activities and workshops for companies aligned with this theme.
Furthermore, it obtained accreditation from the European Platform for PET Trays (TCEP PETCORE) to help companies achieve PETCORE certification, a key recognition in sustainability. This platform offers technical and strategic support to the thermoformed PET tray industry, evaluating innovative technologies and producing independent and confidential technical analyses of their impact on PET recycling processes throughout Europe. “Thanks to a panel of experts in design, production, and recycling, the platform works to improve the recyclability of these products and promote sustainable practices throughout the entire value chain,” explained AIMPLAS Director José Antonio Costa.
Furthermore, last year, the Technological Institute took another step in its commitment to sustainability and business innovation with the opening of its Building 5, a space designed to meet the growing demand from companies for services related to the sustainability of plastic materials, as well as the sustainable growth of AIMPLAS. This new facility, built according to environmental criteria and currently undergoing BREEAM certification, houses laboratories and pilot plants dedicated to polymer synthesis, additive manufacturing, robotics, and mechanochemistry. With this addition, the technology center now has more than 12,000 square meters of facilities in the Valencia Technology Park (Paterna).
Along the same lines, the center achieved carbon neutrality in 2024 after obtaining the CALCULO-REDUZCO-COMPENSO (Calculate-Reduce-Offset) certification, having reduced its CO2 emissions by 74% compared to 2023 and offsetting 100% of them, thus reaching climate neutrality. This commitment is reinforced by long-term compensation projects and the goal of obtaining ISO 50001 Energy Management certification by 2025.
Investing in the Industry of the Future: Lofith Composites.
Another highlight of 2024 is the launch by AIMPLAS and REDIT Ventures of LOFITH COMPOSITES, a new technology-based company specializing in long-fiber thermoplastic composites for demanding sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and rail. This spin-off focuses on the production of advanced materials that offer greater strength, recyclability, and adaptability to different manufacturing processes, positioning itself as an alternative to traditional thermoset composites.
Support from IVACE+i.
Furthermore, thanks to support from the Valencian Institute of Competitiveness and Innovation (IVACE+i), funded by the Valencian Regional Government, AIMPLAS strengthened its role in 2024 as a leader in R&D&I for the plastics sector, making progress in key areas such as recycling, sustainable chemistry, the circular economy, mobility, agriculture, and packaging. Notable developments include high-quality recycled materials, biopolymers, sustainable flame-retardant solutions, CO₂ capture processes, and technologies for emissions reduction.
In addition, the center has promoted ecodesign, new SCRAP and the digital product passport, and has strengthened its Plastics Living Lab, with sustainable plasticulture projects and products made from waste, consolidating its commitment to sustainability, business competitiveness and technology transfer.
Innovation in Training and Knowledge Transfer.
Training is another area where AIMPLAS has continued to make an impact on companies. In 2024, it revamped its Plastics Academy platform, incorporating on-demand courses developed with artificial intelligence tools. This innovation has made it possible to offer accessible content in several languages (Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese), presented by avatars that facilitate learning and personalize training.
Furthermore, the creation of the AIMPLAS-UV Chair, in collaboration with the University of Valencia, represents a further step towards bringing research and innovation closer to companies, fostering knowledge transfer and promoting the training of new talent with a clear focus on sustainability and innovation.
A Real Impact on Businesses
In short, throughout 2024, AIMPLAS has reinforced its role as a strategic partner for businesses, supporting them in their transformation towards more sustainable, digitalized, and competitive models. The institute's activity has gone far beyond its own figures: it has generated tangible value for SMEs, large companies, and traditional sectors, helping to guarantee their future in an increasingly challenging environment.
"Our commitment is not only to grow as a technology center, but also to help companies grow with us, find real solutions to their challenges, and move towards sustainability and innovation. The 2024 data demonstrates that we are on the right track and that together—centers, companies, and government agencies—we can transform industry from the ground up," concluded José Antonio Costa.
