"The materials will be used in biodegradable food packaging and automotive coatings"
TECNALIA is participating in an initiative to transform agri-food and agricultural waste into biodegradable materials and cellulose reinforcements with high added-value
The BIWIN2 initiative focuses on the recovery of local waste biomass, particularly from the wine industry, rich in sugars and lignocellulosic compounds. Through bioprocesses and advanced technologies, biopolyesters and micro-nano cellulose reinforcements will be developed for use in key sectors, such as biodegradable food packaging and automotive coatings.
Innovation in sustainable materials: we will contribute in three lines of work
- Lignocellulosic fibres and micro-nanofibres: we will move forward in obtaining functional fibres and micro-nanofibres using optimised methods in terms of water, reagents and energy consumption. The potential of these micro-nanofibres in applications such as coatings for packaging, automotive paints and sensors for smart packaging will be assessed.
- Enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose: we will carry out research into the enzymatic degradation of cellulose from vine pruning residues to maximise glucose production and facilitate the manufacture of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHAs) bioplastics.
- Sustainable processes for PHAs: we will develop innovative methods for the extraction, recovery and purification of PHA bioplastics. We will eliminate halogenated solvents and apply mechanical and enzymatic techniques, thus reducing energy, economic and environmental impact.
Boosting the market for bio-based products
Beyond generating knowledge, BIWIN2 also seeks to ensure its scalability in industrial environments. This approach will create new regional value chains and reduce dependence on fossil raw materials, boosting the market for bio-based products as a sustainable alternative.
The initiative, funded by the Basque Government's Elkartek 2025 programme, is coordinated by Gaiker and brings together a multidisciplinary consortium made up of TECNALIA, Neiker, CEIT, BCMaterials and the Biomat Group at UPV/EHU. We are working together to accelerate the transition to a bioeconomy based on abundant renewable resources in the Basque Country.