What the Project Is
ADBioplastics has developed and patented the ADBio PLA+ additive – a multifunctional solution that improves mechanical properties, barrier properties to oxygen and water vapor, as well as the processability of pure PLA. With this innovative additive, the company creates its grades of PLA-Premium bioplastic, a bio-based and compostable alternative designed to break the limits of traditional biopolymers. This project is dedicated to replacing fossil plastics with materials that maintain similar properties to conventional plastics while being sustainable and competitive. The product is bio-based, deriving from corn, sugar cane, and sugar beet, and is also biodegradable and compostable, degrading up to 90% within six months in an industrial composting process. The approach, coupled with a passion for the circular economy, helps address environmental challenges and fosters compliance with stringent European Union directives on plastic reduction set for 2030.
Main Benefit
The main benefit of this project lies in creating materials that not only meet the demands of today’s industries but also pave the way for a more sustainable future. Key figures and facts include:
- Higher barrier OTR/WVTR performance than standard PLA.
- Enhanced thermal stability and improved mechanical properties.
- Tunable transparency and excellent processability for diverse industrial applications.
- Supports the EU’s directive on packaging by ensuring recyclability, reusability, and compostability.
- Offers a bio-based alternative to traditional plastics derived from fossil fuels.
Tailored Solutions for Diverse Industries
The range of bio-based and compostable products from ADBioplastics is designed for many applications – from packaging to non-wovens and even 3D printing. This tailored approach means the material can be adapted to meet industry-specific requirements. The project has seen successful implementations across various sectors, including cosmetics, food, textiles, agriculture, consumer goods, and 3D printing. The dynamic focus on both innovation and environmental responsibility creates a clear advantage for companies looking to align with the circular economy while maintaining high-quality performance in their products. It’s a move that appears both practical and visionary… ensuring industries can rely on a sustainable material choice.
Innovation and Technical Excellence
Backed by solid expertise in chemistry and biomaterials, the project leverages the knowledge of doctors in these fields to provide constant technical assistance and support throughout the trials and industrial processes. The technical excellence is evident in the ability to modify a biopolymer like PLA into PLA-Premium, addressing the inherent limitations of traditional bioplastics. The continual refinement and customization of the product ensure that each grade is perfectly suited to its intended use, whether for packaging or more specialized applications. The presence of experienced professionals dedicated to bioplastics research further enhances the project’s credibility and its innovative edge in the market.
Customized Grades of Bioplastics
One of the remarkable aspects of the project is that it delivers customizable material grades designed for different applications. The PLA-Premium bioplastic offers improved mechanical performance while even ensuring tunable transparency, which is crucial for applications in the food sector, among others. Industries in the food sector find that the enhanced barrier properties – both to oxygen and water vapor – ensure product integrity over time, reducing the potential for spoilage. With this level of customization, the project not only meets but often exceeds industry requirements, making it a competitive option in the world of sustainable packaging and industrial materials.
Project Impact
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Driving innovation in bioplastics and promoting sustainable industrial processes.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Enabling the reduction of fossil fuel-based plastics and supporting a closed-loop economy.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through bio-based, renewable materials.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Helping curb the use of polluting plastic that can damage ecosystems and biodiversity.
Future Prospects in Circular Economy
The project has already reached several milestones, including presentations at prominent trade fairs such as K 2025, where the latest compostable success stories were showcased across diverse sectors like cosmetics, food, textiles, agriculture, consumer goods, and 3D printing. In addition, the innovative spirit is further highlighted by the inclusion of ADBioplastics among the 50 most innovative startups at VDS 2025 and in its upcoming presentation at the Italian fair Greenplast 2025. Partnerships with leading players in the industry, such as the collaboration with Nua Cosmetics and ITC Packaging to launch a bio-based and compostable bottle for cosmetics, solidify the project’s market presence. These steps underline the project’s commitment to not only transforming the plastic industry but also championing a circular economy approach that benefits both the planet and industries in a tangible way. The future looks promising as further advancements and increased adoption of these solutions hint at a progressive shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly industrial practices.
