Bio-based polymers

Bio-based materials are obtained from natural and renewable raw materials as more sustainable options and alternatives to oil and aligned with the European Circular Bioeconomy strategies.

Following the value chain of bio-based products from raw material sources:

From Biomass:

• GAIKER has experience in the fragmentation of agro-industrial lignocellulosic waste through the use of sustainable eutectic solvents for the recovery of its fractions in new materials.
• This line of work focuses on the development of medium and short chain PHAs from different biomasses, ranging from fermentation to obtaining applications in the bioplastics sector for packaging, fibres, etc.

Primary conversion processes:

At GAIKER, we have the capacity and experience to carry out the synthesis of biopolymers (diols, polyols, lactic acid, and other products derived from bio-based monomers and other organic macromolecules.

Secondary processes to obtain formulated materials:

• Formulation and compounding of bioplastics and biomaterials (PLA, PHA, PBS, chitosan, starch and ligno-cellulosic materials), and coatings and binders (e.g. PUDs, NIPUs) even adapted to specific applications in different sectors, seeking improvements in functionality, processability on a pilot scale and at the end-of-life (biodegradability and recyclability).
• Improvement of functional properties based on compounding with bio-based additives and sustainable modifiers with reactive groups, other biopolymers and compatibilisers. Ways of obtaining the final material, in pellets, powders, sheets, filaments, foams, adhesives and coatings.
• Formulation of bio-based materials for their end-of-life by recycling and/or biodegradability under industrial or mesophilic composting conditions.

Development and validation of final products:

• Transition from biopolymer to processable bioplastic. Compounding, processing and characterisation for industrial sectors (packaging, bio-coatings, textiles and for agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries).
• Development of new applications based on bioplastics from CO2 sources.
• Development and validation of final prototypes. Development of bio-based value chains.