Cromogenia Units, committed to innovation and the development of sustainable solutions, has led the ECOFLEX project, which aims to design a biodegradable polymer that will revolutionize the food packaging industry. This project seeks to develop a new polymer with advanced barrier properties that protect against moisture and oxygen, while being both sustainable and biodegradable.
Unlike conventional polymers currently available on the market, ECOFLEX offers an innovative solution by combining excellent barrier properties with the ability to be recyclable and biodegradable, representing a significant technological leap. To date, no polymers meet these requirements without being plastic-based, making this project a unique proposition in the sector.
Food safety is a global priority, especially as the world’s population continues to grow, demanding an increase in food production. At the same time, reducing food waste is essential, and packaging plays a critical role in achieving this. Improving packaging properties not only extends the shelf life of products but also helps reduce the amount of packaging waste generated, a key challenge for Europe. According to a directive from the European Parliament, the recycling rate of packaging waste must increase to 70% by 2030, up from the current 44%.
This ambitious project was developed in Barcelona by the R&D department of Cromogenia Units. It had a total duration of 22 months and a budget of €476,118, partially funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Center for Technological and Industrial Development (CDTI), with the support of the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities.
