Plastics technology centre AIMPLAS has detailed its involvement in the European MULTIPLY project, with work underway on recyclable barrier coatings and cosmetic packaging incorporating microalgae.
The project receives backing from the Horizon Europe programme and comprises a consortium of 17 partners.
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Its objective is to develop and scale up ten biological innovations across five sectors to promote wider use of sustainable ingredients.
MULTIPLY aims to replace fossil-based and food-derived components with bio-based alternatives.
The initiative centres on five microalgae species, notably Arthrospira (Spirulina), Chromochloris zofingiensis, diatoms, Nannochloropsis and Tetraselmis, to deliver new products for the food, animal feed, cosmetics, lubricants, and biomaterials sectors.
A key focus will be on developing compostable films, paper coatings, and packaging solutions derived from algae oils and starch.
Other applications in development include natural colourings and protein ingredients for food products; salmon feed enhanced by microalgae components; oils and esters for personal care; and bio-based esters for lubricants.
AIMPLAS’s role involves creating sustainable materials from microalgae polymers for packaging.
Efforts include developing recyclable coatings for paper with resistance to water and grease as an alternative to traditional paper / polyethylene structures.
The centre is also engaged in formulating active cosmetic packaging that incorporates microalgae compounds in encapsulation matrices and structural elements, aiming to improve product preservation without relying heavily on added preservatives.
The next phases of the MULTIPLY project will see pilot activities focusing on nutrient recovery and the introduction of a new monitoring tool.
Initial batches of algae extracts and oils will be supplied for further product development.
The consortium will also proceed with sustainability assessments and market studies in support of future commercialisation of algae-based goods made in Europe.
A4F project coordinator Marta Paiva said: “The idea that microalgae will drive a circular future sums up our approach.
“We focus on specific products and sectors where algae can replace conventional ingredients, backed by data on their performance, sustainability and scalability.”
Last July, AIMPLAS reported progress in recycling multilayer plastics, which often present challenges due to their complex construction.
