Itene develops a bioplastic of high performance for bottles

So far, the existing market bioplastics had no acceptable properties for the packaging of liquids and beverages in bottles, due to the low thermal resistance and high permeability of the material used. Itene has developed an innovative product - whose patent is being processed - incorporating nanorefuerzos into the matrix of the bioplastic, and that achieves an improvement in the properties. The new material is a nanocompuesto (polymer produced from renewable sources more nanorefuerzos) based on nanoarcillas modified superficially. They provide the material thermal and mechanical resistance, and reduced permeability to gas, while the bottle retains the ability to biodegradarse.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most commonly used in food bioplastics. Its use in trays has been successful, but its benefits for bottles have not been optimal for their high permeability. An aspect which, according to researchers at Itene, was that it was that the content of the bottle permeara through the container, and event of a collapse of the walls of the bottle. Also, its limited thermal resistance, reduced its use to weather conditions with low environmental temperatures.

Several multinationals are already interested in producing the bottle made of new material developed by Itene under the patent. This innovation has presented in Düsseldorf during the last edition of the Interpack exhibition, directed to the industry of the packaging, packaging and manufacturing equipment. The project is funded by the Impiva (Institute of medium and small industry Valenciana) of the Generalitat Valenciana and the Feder funds of the European Union