BIOnTOP is a research and innovation project funded under Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking with a consortium of 20 institutions from eight European countries, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Czechia, Estonia and Croatia.

The objective of the project is to create recyclable and cost competitive packaging solutions that can be mechanically recycled, industrially/home composted or even suitable for anaerobic digestion, using sustainably sourced comonomers, additives and fillers to formulate novel PLA copolymers and compounds. Moreover, the barrier properties of the produced bio-packaging trays, films and derived packaging, will be enhanced by using removable protein-based coatings and a novel fatty acid grafting technology to decrease permeability and compete with fossil packaging.

When considered that only 31% of plastic is recycled and that plastic packaging still has a deficient end-of-life, improvements are needed to provide cost-effective solutions with high bio-based contents and suitable performances for demanding packaging applications.
In the field of textile packaging, a majority of used coatings are not bio-based and are different than the coated fibers, making material or organic recycling extremely difficult. New PLA coatings or fatty grafting will allow reprocessing without significant loss of properties.
BIOnTOP packaging, based on more than 85% renewable resources, will be compatible with a broad range of packaging applications’ requirements, but also multiple end-of-life options. Our materials will be biodegradable in-home composting conditions, but also recyclable for multiple use secondary packaging.

Based on new circular bioeconomy value chains, BIOnTOP will generate growth for EU bioplastics and end users’ industries in the food and personal care sectors with potential in many fields. BIOnTOP production is estimated to reach close to 9.6 Mton per year by 2030, with up to €40 M turnover and is expected to generate 170 new jobs. All in all, reducing the environmental footprint of plastics, our new bio-based packaging will have a significant positive social and environmental impact.

BIO-mi is part of the work package 5 (WP5) 'Pilot production and validation of bio-based mono and multilayerfilms' and will participate in processing of thin monolayer films and trays from biopolymers and in the development and production of films from secondary raw materials.

More information on the project is available on CORDIS website: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/222682/factsheet/en and the official website of the project:https://biontop.eu/

This project has received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking (JU) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 837761. The JU received support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the Bio Based Industries Consortium