After having tested machinery one by one on site, EcosMed recently completed the overall testing of the entire plant at the ‘Zero Factory’ site in Roccavaldina. Thus, the production line has been fine-tuned.

Now it is a question of bringing it up to speed by starting to test the process, which so far has been on a laboratory scale, for semi-industrial production (for the moment between 150 and 180 kg/h).

At the same time, samples of ecobuddy brand bioplastics – different formulations depending on the type of production – will be sent to potential customers with whom advanced discussions are already underway for possible orders. These will be samples produced not only with the BSG but also with waste from coffee and pomace production. At the same time, the necessary certifications will be carried out. While Giardineria Italiana will proceed with tests on pots for floriculture.

More than eighty formulations

UNIME, which over the course of LIFE RESTART has created more than eighty different formulations (different ‘recipes’ with a mix of BSG, also of different types, and organic plastics) of these unique bioplastics, is now completing tests on their recyclability and fluidity. And it has also started experiments with coffee and pomace production waste.

In addition, the “data bank”, developed with professor Franco Olivieri of the University of Messina, was finalised, i.e. the mathematical model capable of relating the mechanical behaviour of materials with their composition, which allows the production of custom-made materials: based on the type of application and the physical and mechanical properties of the individual bioplastic formulation, it is possible to characterise the most suitable composition and industrial process for a given product.

For its part, Crossing Srl concluded the studies, after one year of biodegradation in soil and composting of biocomposites with different formulations, by performing both direct and indirect tests in accordance with ASTM D5988.