PLA+PHA+cork, making bioplastic bottle caps
Recently, Mixcycling, an Italian company, has successfully developed bio-based materials for food industry packaging and closures based on PLA, PHBH and cork as natural fillers.
First, the choice of this material is strategic because both PLA and PHBH are biodegradable, derived from renewable resources, and effectively decompose under various environmental conditions. The biodegradable nature of these materials allows organic recycling, enabling waste to be converted into valuable compost, reducing its impact on the environment.
Second, this material shows excellent mechanical properties, and the addition of cork can improve its flexibility, strength and durability, meeting the performance requirements of traditional bottle caps and being able to resist common stresses in daily use. These properties maintain the quality of the products they seal, such as olive oil.
Mixcycling, a member of the European Green Circular Alliance, provides this material to Le Terre di Zoé, an Italian company, to produce extra virgin olive oil (EVO) bottle caps. Mixcycling also cooperates with Guala Bottle Caps to produce biocomposites that have been applied to tamper-proof bottle caps, which are comparable to bottle caps produced from traditional plastics in terms of strength, hygiene and diversity of use. Prototypes of screw caps and olive oil dispensers have been made by injection molding.
Mixcycling researchers have also developed a microwave-assisted molding process that promises to reduce energy consumption by 30% and improve material properties. The Green Cycle project, co-funded by the European Union under the European Horizon Program, aims to revolutionize the production of bio-based materials by developing sustainable manufacturing technologies. A key goal is to replace traditional fossil-based plastics with biodegradable and compostable alternatives. Founded in 2020 by brothers Gianni and Amerigo Tagliapietra, Mixcycling has become an industry player in 2023, winning international awards and recognition.
Mixcycling's technology, based on patented processes and know-how, values organic waste and mixes it with bio-based and fossil-based materials to create new raw materials for major industrial groups such as EssilorLuxottica, Stoelzle Glass Group, SCHID Spa, UniCredit StartLab, Adamo srl, Lavazza Group, Stilfibra srl, DeRoma Group, Selle Royal Group Spa, etc.
Guala Closures is a world leader in closures for the spirits, wines, beverages, oils and condiments markets. The Group has 35 production plants around the world, ensuring proximity to its customers and providing tailor-made services and solutions.
