Composting processes

Compostability is one of the best ways to adapt to the circular economy promoted by the European Union. At ITENE we work to develop compostable materials and assess their degree of compostability, as well to improve, accelerate and optimise composting processes in waste management and treatment plants. The ultimate aim is to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and brings cost savings.

How can composting processes be accelerated?

Bio-augmentation is an emerging technology based on the use of specially developed microorganisms that speed up the biodegradation of biodegradable and compostable plastics. It enables us to:

• achieve a biodegradation period for these materials that is comparable to that of other organic waste.
• enhance the quality and properties of the resulting compost which can be used as an organic additive to fertilise agricultural soil based on an ecological and sustainable approach.
• reduce landfill disposal
• reduce costs by shortening lead times

These new biotechnology-based processes can help to drive sustainable development and the circular economy, transforming the current waste-management model paradigms by converting waste into usable resources.

Acceleration of the PLA composting process

TETma, a member of the BECSA group, has managed – in conjunction with ITENE – to halve the biodegradation times of PLA (polylactic acid) packaging thanks to development of a biotechnological process that has accelerated its composting.

This breakthrough would not have been possible without the DeepPLA project funded by the Valencian Innovation Agency (Agencia Valenciana de Innovación).

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  Rosa Doménech

  Industrial Biotechnology Area Manager

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