The BIOCOMP project (Competence Center for the Development and Testing of Sustainable Bioplastics) is about establishing a competence center for the development of sustainable packaging systems. A core topic is the processing of bioplastics on dedicated compounding and film extrusion systems, which are dimensionally coordinated and, depending on the size of the system, enable the production of effective sample sizes for research and development purposes.

Furthermore, process monitoring and simulation is to be implemented as a research task in the planned competence center. A conclusion from the material quality to the film properties should be predicted in the process simulation and characterized using analytical methods. Considerations with regard to end of life scenarios for packaging close the loop and are to be covered in the new infrastructure through recycling trials (in cooperation with partners) and composting tests. Food contact tests and barrier tests are part of the center’s portfolio, as are application tests (e.g. on thermoforming devices).

The new infrastructure should also be seen as a consulting center for sustainability considerations (life cycle assessment). Another focus is on the training of young scientists (schools, universities, institutes) and the transfer of knowledge to the population as well as the involvement of industrial companies in research topics.

You can find more information on the IBW/EFRE & JTF program at www.efre.gv.at.

This project is supported by funds from:
www.efre.gv.at – EU-Förderung für regionale Entwicklung
FFG – Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft GmbH

Project duration: 01.06.2024 – 31.05.2027

Project Lead:

Dr. Barbara Fahrngruber

Team lead of the working group bioplastics at the Starch Non-Food department at AGRANA Research & Innovation Center GmbH

barbara.fahrngruber@agrana.com

+43 2272 60211410

Josef-Reither-Strasse 21-23, Tulln 3430, Austria