Recently, Italian company Mixcycling has successfully developed bio-based materials for packaging and closure in the food industry 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 decompose efficiently under a variety of environmental conditions. The biodegradable nature of these materials allows for organic recycling, enabling waste to be converted into valuable compost and reducing its environmental impact.
Secondly, this material shows excellent mechanical properties, and the addition of cork improves its flexibility, strength and durability, in line with the performance requirements of traditional bottle caps, resistant to the stresses common to everyday use. These properties maintain the quality of the products they seal, such as olive oil.
Mixcycling, a member of the European Green Cycle Coalition, supplied the material to the Italian company Le Terre di Zoé for the production of extra virgin olive oil (EVO) caps.
Mixcycling has also partnered with Guala Bottle Caps to produce biocomposites that have been used in tamper-resistant bottle caps that are comparable to those produced from traditional plastics in terms of strength, hygiene and versatility 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 percent 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 through the development of sustainable manufacturing technologies. A key objective is to replace traditional fossil-based plastics with biodegradable and compostable alternatives.
Mixcycling was founded by brothers Gianni and Amerigo Tagliapietra in 2020 and has won international awards and recognition as an industry player in 2023.Mixcycling's technology is based on a patented process and know-how that values organic waste and mixes it with bio-based and fossil-based materials for EssilorLuxottica, Stoelzle Glass Group, SCHID Spa, UniCredit StartLab, Adamo srl, Lavazza Group, Stilfibra srl, DeRoma Group, Selle Royal Group Spa and other Major industrial groups create new raw materials.
Guala Caps is a global leader in bottle caps for the spirits, wine, beverage, oils and flavors markets. The Group has 35 production plants around the world to ensure proximity to its customers and to provide tailor-made services and solutions.
