It is one of the new projects that AIMPLAS is working on and that are financed by the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE).
The energy sector currently plays a key role. Therefore, AIMPLAS is also working on projects like MATENERGYH2 to obtain energy carriers such as hydrogen through catalyst-assisted processes (gasification of plastic waste or biomass and ammonia dehydrogenation), as well as developing polymeric materials that allow for its sustainable storage and separation.
Along the same lines, the Technological Institute of Plastics is working to provide solutions for energy-intensive sectors such as ceramics, with projects like CAPTURO2, focused on CO2 capture technologies to collect and separate the CO2 present in the combustion gases of the ceramic manufacturing process, and reuse it as a resource.
In the area of energy and sustainability, AIMPLAS is collaborating with the technology institutes ITE, AIDIMME, ITENE, ITI, and IBV on the iMoLab project to promote the creation of a distributed smart mobility laboratory that will develop new technologies for the transportation of the future. Specifically, the facility will enable research in the areas of energy, mobility and communications infrastructure, and people's needs.
Climate emergency and quality of life
These new AIMPLAS projects also aim to address the climate emergency and improve people's quality of life, as is the case with the SOILCARE project, which tackles the growing problem of soil degradation and impoverishment. Specifically, the institute is developing new plasticulture products through this research, using innovative techniques such as hydrogels that retain moisture and films functionalized with organic biostimulants that provide the soil with substances for plant growth, among other tools that help improve soil quality and crop productivity.
Regarding the marine environment, AIMPLAS, in collaboration with AIGUA MARINA, is designing innovative, standardized, and highly reliable methodologies to assess the biodegradation, disintegration, and ecotoxicity of bioplastics. This will help companies develop and market truly harmless and biodegradable bioplastic products, especially those intended for direct use in the sea, such as those related to fishing gear.
AIMPLAS also focuses its work on providing solutions to sectors such as construction, transportation, and electricity, and BIO IGNITION is an example of this. The project optimizes methodologies that analyze the fire resistance characteristics of materials and the production of fire-retardant additives from renewable resources. Likewise, with RECONPACK, the institute develops high-value-added coatings for use in buildings, wind turbines, and packaging, reducing material consumption and dependence on natural resources.
Finally, in the recycling sector, the center is working on MECHANOCHEMISTRY, research for the development of new protocols for the synthesis and recycling of plastics through mechanochemistry, a more sustainable and energy-efficient alternative.
Boosting the SDGs
These projects are aligned with AIMPLAS' commitment to the SDGs, especially SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being, SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 Climate Action.
These projects are financed by IVACE through the EU's ERDF funds, within the ERDF Operational Programme of the Valencian Community 2021-2027. This aid is aimed at technology centres in the Valencian Community for the development of non-economic R&D projects carried out in cooperation with companies for the 2022 financial year.
