Research & Initiatives
Our research focuses on advancing polymer formulation, biodegradability studies, and the development of bio-based plastics to address global environmental challenges. We are dedicated to replacing traditional plastics with sustainable alternatives and contributing to a greener future through innovation and scientific excellence.
Research lines
Polymer technology
We primarily specialize in thermoplastics, focusing on polymer formulation and processing technology. Our research is dedicated to replacing traditional plastics with bio-based and biodegradable polymers, with a particular emphasis on PHAs. While our initial research centered on packaging applications, we have since expanded our scope to include agricultural plastics
Biodegradation Studies & Technology
We conduct in-depth studies on the biodegradability of various plastic materials to understand the microbiological mechanisms and process kinetics involved. Our research includes cultivating specific microorganisms to identify the key biodegraders responsible for breaking down bioplastic materials.
New Polymers & Materials
Our work centers on isolating specific microorganisms and conducting detailed studies of their metabolic pathways. This research is aimed at understanding and optimizing the biological processes involved in producing innovative grades of bioplastics. By exploring these pathways, we strive to develop sustainable materials with enhanced properties that can meet diverse industrial and environmental needs.
National Projects
Elastotex
10.2022 – 09.2024
Desarrollo y fabricación de elastómeros biodegradables y biobasados para aplicaciones multisectoriales en un contexto de bioeconomía circular.
The project’s objective is to provide a technical solution to reduce the environmental impact of the use of conventional elastomeric plastic materials, given their non-biodegradable nature and the zero potential for waste recovery in a circular economy context.
Proyectofinanciado por la Agencia Valenciana de Innovación (AVI) y fondos FEDER de la Unión Europea dentro del proyecto INNEST/2022/64 AVI-ELASTOTEX
Biopapertech
09.2022 – 08.2025
Desarrollo de Nuevas Estructuras Híbridas de Celulosa y Bioplástico con Propiedades Barrera para Aplicaciones de Envasado Alimentario Compatibles con la Bioeconomía Circular
The general objective of this project is to develop new organic recyclable, sustainable, and safe flexible hybrid paper bioplastic packaging concepts, with improved functionality, enhanced biodegradability and lower environmental impact, for application in the food packaging within a Circular Bioeconomy context.
Proyecto PID2021-128749OB-C32 financiado por MCIN/ AEI /10.13039/501100011033/ y por FEDER Una manera de hacer Europa
MarinePHA
11.2022 – 06.2025
Towards a Marine-Friendly Plastic Industry: Synthesis, Characterization and Usability of New PHA-based Materials in a Circular BioEconomy Context
This project propose innovative solutions for the plastics industry. Fully biobased and biodegradable materials will be used to use sustainable manufacturing technologies and design plastic applications with minimum environmental impact but with viable applicability according to current technology in the plastics industry
Proyecto TED2021-130211B-C31 financiado por MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 y por la Unión Europea NextGenerationEU/ PRTR
Biofunpaper
10.2022 – 09.2025
DEVELOPMENT OF BIODEGRADABLE MULTIFUNCTIONAL COATINGS FOR PAPER AND CARDBOARD PACKAGING APPLICATIONS
The project aims at developing thin film coatings made of organic recyclable biopolymers for the development of hydrophobic and high barrier paper and cardboard coating
Proyecto CPP2021-008973 financiado por MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 y por la Unión Europea NextGenerationEU/ PRTR
SuperBioPack
10.2022 – 09.2025
High barrier organically recyclable, super-repellent and thermoformed package
The project aims to perfect PHA packaging products by working on their barrier and super-repellent properties while undergoing thermoformability in a single step. It also aims to scale the project and provide sufficient prototypes to assess and/or certify its final properties before presenting it to the market.
Grant PDC2022-134006-C22 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and by the “European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR”.
Desarrollo de un film de acolchado agrícola activo y circular
This project aims to develop a functional mulch application for agricultural use that preserves the benefits of biodegradable mulch and contains bioactive substances capable of stimulating the plant’s resistance to pests.
Project supported by MCIN with funding from European Union NextGenerationEU (PRTR-C17.I1) and by Generalitat Valenciana, grant number [AGROALNEXT/2022/058]
Comboost
09.2023 – 12.2025
Estudio de la valorización de los residuos de bioplásticos mediante nuevos procesos de compostaje
Comboost project aims to improve the process of biodegradation of plastics from the packaging sector in composting by adding micro-organisms that degrade these plastics in MSW (organic fraction of urban waste) composting plants, thus avoiding an environmental problem related to the accumulation of plastics and microplastics in the environment.
Proyecto financiado por la Agencia Valenciana de Innovación (AVI) y fondos FEDER de la Unión Europea dentro del proyecto NNEST/2023/69 AVI-COMBOOST
European Projects
SAFE BIO-BASED AND BIODEGRADABLE IN-SOIL SOLUTIONS FOR CIRCULAR AND SUSTAINABLE CROP PRODUCTION
INSOIL is a 48-month European project dedicated to replacing single-use agricultural plastics with bio-based and fully biodegradable in-soil solutions. It develops three types of agronomic products—mulch films, plant protectors, and controlled-release fertilizers—derived from agro-industrial residues and microbial biomass. The project evaluates their technical performance, agronomic efficiency, biodegradability, and safety through pilot demonstrations in Spain and Belgium. By applying a Safe and Sustainable by Design approach, INSOIL also addresses environmental, social, and economic sustainability while contributing to future regulations and standards for in-soil biodegradation.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CBE JU. Neither the European Union nor the CBE JU can be held responsible for them. The project is supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking and its members.
Upcycling of BILGE Water into Biobased Solutions for Ghost-fishing & Oil-sPilling
BilgeUP aims to convert a traditionally problematic maritime waste—bilge water and sludge—into high-value bio-based solutions. The project develops two bioprocesses: (1) producing biosurfactants via marine bacteria and fungi cultivated in bilge water, useful for oil-spill cleanup; and (2) converting sludge, enhanced with biosurfactants, into feedstock for bacteria that synthesize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are used to manufacture biodegradable fishing gear. BilgeUP operates across several European sea basins (Mediterranean, Atlantic, Black Sea) and involves sampling, characterization, bioprocess design, evaluation of biodegradability, and market and economic feasibility analyses. The project addresses key environmental challenges such as illegal fishing, ghost nets, oil spills, and marine plastic pollution.
Funded by the European Union.
Sustainable and Antimicrobial Materials for Meat Packaging
MATE4MEAT aims to revolutionize the packaging of meat products through innovative antimicrobial packaging solutions. These solutions are designed to enhance food safety, prolong shelf life, reduce food waste, and provide environmental benefits by utilizing biodegradable materials. By leveraging a multidisciplinary approach, MATE4MEAT will develop and integrate new bio-based antimicrobial packaging technologies that inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms. The project involves the identification and production of effective antimicrobial compounds, the creation of biodegradable polymers, and the development of advanced packaging materials. MATE4MEAT seeks to contribute to the circular economy, reduce reliance on fossil resources, and promote sustainable practices within the food industry. The project is structured into several interconnected work packages, each addressing different aspects of the research, development, and implementation processes to ensure the successful delivery of its innovative solutions.
MATE4MEAT is funded by National Funding Agencies from Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), Italy (Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca, Ministry of University and Research-MUR), Cyprus (Research & Innovation Foundation-RIF), Turkey (The Scientific and Technological Research Council-TUBITAK), Algeria (Directorate-General for Scientific Research and Technological Development-DGRSDT), Spain (Agencia estatal de investigación-AEI) under the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA).The PRIMA programme is supported and founded under Horizon 2020, the European Union’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.