Solutions for the cosmetics sector

With the company Reciclados Palancia Belcaire, we have worked on the development of a fertilizer enriched with biostimulant microorganisms, from biostabilized material and compost resulting from the treatment of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. To this end, AINIA optimized the lactic fermentation process through bioaugmentation and modification of operating variables; the bacteria present with biostimulant capacity were isolated and subjected to a microencapsulation process. The final product was tested in combination with biostabilized material, compost, and conventional fertilizer. The company received funding from the Valencian Innovation Agency to carry out this project.

The project addresses innovative solutions through edible coatings and packaging to preserve food quality and contribute to environmental sustainability. Edible coatings are applied directly to fruits and vegetables to extend their shelf life and maintain their quality. Coatings for cardboard packaging improve the moisture barrier of cellulosic packaging, preserving its integrity and the freshness of packaged products. Finally, edible packaging, made from renewable materials, not only protects food but can also be consumed along with it, thus eliminating packaging waste. This is a pioneering initiative in the food industry in the fight against food waste and the environmental impact of plastic packaging. The project has been developed in collaboration with various companies and is funded by the EU through IVACE with FEDER funds.

We have collaborated with the company HEINEKEN ESPAÑA, which is developing various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. In this context, in order to minimise the contamination of its wastewater and, at the same time, recover valuable compounds contained within it, AINIA carried out a study for the implementation of electrodialysis processes with bipolar membranes at the company’s production plant in the province of Valencia. As a result, a complete treatment system has been designed that will reduce the conductivity of the generated wastewater and enable the recovery of sodium hydroxide at concentrations and quality suitable for reuse within the industry itself.