Project

Call for partners | Biodegradable foams from waste and side streams

Most polymeric foams are made from fossil-based polymers that will persist when they end up in the environment. In most fossil-based foams on the market, chemical blowing agents are used contributing to global warming. It is known that natural polymers like starch can be foamed using water as a blowing agent. Furthermore, biobased micro- and nano-additives could also contribute to improving foam properties.

In this project we want to look at the following aspects of foam applications:

  • Foam processing starting from waste and side streams feedstocks
  • Non chemical blowing agents, nucleating agents and processing aids
  • Environmental impact on soils (microplastics)

We are looking for partners (compounders, converters and end-users) in the packaging, horticulture industry and any industry where biodegradable foams are relevant (short life cycle before going into biodegradation), and where recycling is not an option.

Partners are asked to provide both an in-cash, and in-kind contributions.