Exploitation of agricultural waste for the production of innovative plastic materials in the light of the circular economy

The main objective of AgriPlaCE is to create the necessary knowledge base in the field of plastic industry, agricultural sector and information and communications sector for the exploitation of agricultural waste for the production of secondary materials in the context of the circular economy and bioeconomy. The project will serve as a model for the practical application of the circular economy by promoting the efficient use of biological resources exploiting agri-food waste from the primary sector as a raw material for the production of advanced industrial materials through the development of innovative processes.

New and improved products with high added value will be produced through innovative processes improving the competitiveness and productivity of businesses in the first place. In particular, three industrial materials will be developed: biodegradable bags to be used for bio-waste collection, polymeric films with natural pesticides for soil cover in hydroponic crops, and functional packaging of thin food film with antimicrobial agents for food packaging. Innovative, efficient and environmentally friendly techniques for recovering bioactive ingredients from agro-food by-products will also be developed as well as new methods of incorporating them into final polymeric products through simple extrusion, co-extrusion and other techniques including the electrohydrodynamic process.

In addition, through the project the development of a database and of an electronic platform promoting the exploitation of primary sector’s by-products as raw materials to the processing sector through a symbiotic model will be developed.

Role of DRAXIS:

Εnvironmental sustainability assessment of the proposed solutions on full scale. Financial viability evaluation of the proposed solutions on full scale. Development of a database for the utilization of agricultural waste of the Greek territory. Development of an electronic platform for the promotion of synergies for the utilization of agricultural waste.