ECOPOLIA: Development of polymeric composites with a reduced ecological footprint through the incorporation of residual biomass

S.C. KIK Compounds S.R.L. (CO)

 in partnership with

 “Valahia” University of Târgoviște  (P1)

and

National Research and Development Institute ECOIND Bucharest (P2)

implements:

Development of polymeric composites with a reduced ecological footprint through the incorporation of residual biomass (acronim ECOPOLIA)

The project aims at optimizing, testing, and validating at prototype level (TRL 6) a technology for creating polymeric bio-composites using recycled materials – biomass waste rich in cellulose, fats and by-products from side streams. The new bio-composites will have a reduced ecological footprint and improved biodegradability compared to current materials.

Implementation is carried out in a public-private partnership, coordinated by SC KIK Compounds SRL, together with “Valahia” University of Târgoviște and INCD ECOIND Bucharest.

General Objective:

Prototype-level validation of two polymeric bio-composite mixtures with a reduced ecological footprint, incorporating biomass from the agro-food sector in a mass content between 35% and 50% (product and technology).

Specific Objectives:

SO1. Validation of preparation methods for obtaining advanced bio-composite materials with a reduced ecological footprint (biodegradable polymers) by using waste and/or by-products from own side streams and from the agro-food industry.

SO2. Evaluation, testing, and demonstration of the performance of the new polymeric bio-composites and the functionality of the production technology at an industrial level.

SO3. Prototype validation – obtaining 2 new polymeric bio-composite materials with a reduced ecological footprint (product and technology).

SO4. Development of the coordinating enterprise’s innovation capacity by assimilating R&D results obtained in effective collaboration with research organizations for the creation of products with commercialization potential on the domestic and international market.

Implementation Period: May 5, 2025 – April 4, 2027 (24 months); Value: 1,779,162.00 RON, of which 1,499,027.00 RON from the national budget and 280,135.00 RON from private funds provided by the coordinator (CO).

Benefits, Key Activities, Impact: The project aims to overcome the technological challenges associated with biopolymeric composite materials, including mechanical performance, stability in extreme environments, processability, replicability and mass manufacturing, compatibility with existing materials, recyclability, and degradability, and to promote a transition towards more sustainable solutions in the industry.

The study of working conditions and optimal ratios between raw materials are essential for maintaining the properties and functionality of the materials, avoiding a decrease in their quality as the percentage of added biogenic material increases.

The project is committed to contributing to the development of high-performance biocomposite materials from biomass, with a reduced carbon footprint and a positive impact on the circular economy through close collaboration between partners.

The implementation of the ECOPOLIA project aligns with international strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on SDG-12 regarding sustainable consumption and production patterns and SDG-13 concerning urgent action to combat climate change. The intended scientific impact consists of developing new knowledge, technology transfer and publishing results in open-access scientific articles and dissemination at specialized conferences