Biodegradable packaging films – Aimplas Accelerates Sustainable Packaging Innovation by Transforming Natural Polymer Films into High Performance Solutions for Food and Cosmetics Packaging 16-12-2025
Biodegradable packaging films
Aimplas explores natural polymer films for sustainable packaging
Aimplas is strengthening its role in sustainable materials research by developing natural polymer films designed for modern packaging applications. Through its Bioprocess project, the research center is focusing on biodegradable and compostable flexible films that meet the demanding mechanical and barrier requirements of food, cosmetics, and hygiene product packaging. This work responds directly to growing regulatory pressure and consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions.
The development of natural polymer films for packaging is becoming increasingly important as the European Union tightens restrictions on single use plastics. Biodegradable packaging films offer an effective alternative, particularly in applications where traditional plastic recycling is challenging due to food residues or contamination. biodegradable packaging films
Bioprocess project partners and funding
The Bioprocess project brings together Aimplas, Potato Bioplastics, and Gaviplas. Potato Bioplastics contributes expertise in bioplastics derived from renewable sources, while Gaviplas provides industrial know how in flexible film manufacturing. The project is funded by the Valencian Institute of Competitiveness and Innovation through the European Regional Development Fund, reinforcing regional innovation in sustainable packaging technologies.
This collaborative structure allows research findings to move efficiently from laboratory development to industrial scale production, improving the market readiness of biodegradable packaging films.
One step processing for natural polymer films
A key innovation within the Bioprocess project is the adoption of a one step processing approach for producing films from natural polymers. This method improves efficiency by reducing processing stages while maintaining the intrinsic properties of renewable materials.
By simplifying the production process, Aimplas aims to lower energy consumption and minimize material degradation. The result is higher quality natural polymer films that retain biodegradability and compostability while achieving performance levels suitable for demanding packaging uses.
Enhancing mechanical and barrier properties
One of the main challenges in biodegradable packaging films is achieving sufficient strength, flexibility, and barrier performance. The Bioprocess project addresses this by improving polymer chain orientation without compromising environmental performance.
Aimplas applies Machine Direction Orientation extrusion technology to align polymer chains during processing. This enhances tensile strength, stiffness, and barrier properties against moisture and gases, making natural polymer films more suitable for food and cosmetics packaging.
This approach allows bioplastics to compete more effectively with conventional plastics while maintaining their ability to biodegrade or compost at the end of life.
Supporting organic recycling and composting
The use of biodegradable packaging films is especially valuable in applications where packaging waste is contaminated with food residues. In such cases, mechanical recycling is often impractical or inefficient.
Natural polymer films enable organic recovery of packaging waste through composting, producing high quality compost rather than landfill waste. This supports circular economy principles and helps reduce the environmental impact of packaging across the value chain.
Turning by products into packaging materials
Another important aspect of the Bioprocess project is the use of natural polymers derived from renewable and industrial by product sources. Aimplas has developed new formulations based on polysaccharides and proteins from both plant and animal origins.
Raw materials include algae, corn starch, potato starch, gelatin, and various proteins. Many of these are sourced from industrial by products, adding value to low cost materials that might otherwise be underutilized. This approach improves resource efficiency while reducing dependence on fossil based plastics.
Compatibility with conventional manufacturing
While sustainability is a priority, packaging materials must also be compatible with existing industrial processes. Aimplas is testing how natural polymer films perform when processed using conventional extrusion technologies, including non oriented sheet extrusion and MDO extrusion.
Ensuring that biodegradable packaging films can be manufactured on standard equipment is critical for industry adoption. It reduces investment barriers and accelerates the transition toward sustainable packaging solutions.
Meeting regulatory and market demands
Chemically unmodified natural polymers are gaining traction as viable packaging materials, particularly for products restricted under the Single use Plastics Directive. However, these materials must still meet strict performance requirements to protect packaged goods.
Aimplas research focuses on balancing sustainability with functionality. The goal is to deliver natural polymer films that preserve product quality, extend shelf life, and comply with current and future regulations across the European market.
Advancing the future of sustainable packaging
Through the Bioprocess project, Aimplas is demonstrating that biodegradable packaging films made from natural polymers can meet industrial standards while supporting environmental goals. By combining innovative processing technologies with renewable materials, the project contributes to a more sustainable and resilient packaging ecosystem.
As food and cosmetics brands continue to seek environmentally responsible packaging, natural polymer films developed through initiatives like Bioprocess are positioned to play a central role in the next generation of sustainable packaging solutions.
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