AIMPLAS coordinates the first technological network to promote the use of biodegradable plastics

SUScompNET IBÉRICA is the first technological network for Spain, Portugal and Latin America which brings together all those involved in the development of biodegradable materials. This organism is born with a vocation for industrial service, being its main objective help businesses to improve their competitiveness through research, development and technological innovation in biodegradable materials. SUScompNET IBÉRICA is integrated in the international network SUScompNET, and it involves the technological Institute of plastics (AIMPLAS) as Center Coordinator, the universities of Alicante, the Basque country, and Vigo, Condensia chemical company, and a representative of the Portuguese industry.

SUScompNET IBÉRICA aims to promote the use of biodegradable polymers in Spain, Portugal and Latin America as an alternative to other materials with lower environmental benefits.

The need for this technological network arose in Spain for the delay in the development and commercialization of biodegradable materials to other countries of the European Union. In addition, the efforts that have been made so far in Spain to promote the use of these materials have been isolated, and there are no specific programmes to enhance their production, the development of new markets, and its consumption.

The European countries that are in the forefront of the introduction of biodegradable products on the market are Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Switzerland. In Europe the applications of biodegradable materials addressed primarily to the container and packaging sector (food, fruit and vegetables, shopping bags, catering and foam for the protection of products against potential impacts), and sectors such as agriculture or the toy. However in Spain the use of these materials is limited to films for agriculture and pieces of product protection.

To promote the use of biodegradable materials in Spain and expand their areas of application are unifying the research efforts of the centers that participate in the network of technological and scientific mechanisms will be established at all levels.

In addition, the network puts to the service of industry mechanisms to enhance the biodegradable. SUScompNET IBÉRICA offers business services of specialized technical information and the possibility of cooperating in r + d projects. Another planned activity is the Organization of scientific-technological professional events. From the network also seeks to involve the national and regional administrations in policies to stimulate the use of these materials in the industry.

Currently, SUScompNET IBÉRICA is open to the accession of new businesses, partnerships, technological centres and universities.