Centexbel is responsible for project management and overall project communication. Furthermore, within this project, Centexbel focuses on the incorporation of the bio-based colorants into various (bio)polymers using conventional melt-processing techniques. Centexbel will evaluate the bio-based colorants for their colour stability and processability in biopolymers.
Avans University of Applied Sciences is the partner in this project that focuses on the optimisation of the bio‑based colourants. Based on feedback from Centexbel and Ghent University, they develop new colourants with improved thermal stability and colour stability. This iterative approach makes it possible to continuously refine the properties of the colourants and better tailor them to processing in biopolymers and to the requirements of sustainable applications.
Maastricht University, specifically the Circular Plastics research group, will investigate the end‑of‑life possibilities of the coloured biopolymers within the project. This includes, among other things, the assessment of recyclability, with a focus on thermomechanical recycling. The recycling process will be further optimised and refined using machine learning and multivariate analysis. The insights and results obtained by UM will be fed back to the partners and will serve as input for further optimisation of the materials, with a view to enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Ghent University, specifically the LCPE research group (Laboratory for Circular Process Engineering), will investigate the decolourisation of the colourants as a partner in this project. They will do this both at the product level, using the products supplied by Centexbel, and at the raw‑material level. For the latter, they will use the powdered colourant provided by Avans. Based on the results, Avans can further improve the molecular design of the colourant.
