AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, lately held the opening ceremony for its new facilities, which have allowed it to expand its presence in Valencia Technology Park.

The new facilities, funded by the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE) to the tune of €2.47 million, will allow the technology center to respond to growing demand from society and companies to boost the circular economy through R&D&I.

A total of 2,200 square meters for pilot plants, laboratories and work areas has been added, designed around environmental sustainability criteria from the outset. This is Spain’s first R&D building to obtain BREEAM certification.

These new facilities include a pilot plant for polymer synthesis chemical processes and research into the use of CO2 as a renewable raw material and will also be used to develop new chemical recycling processes and conduct research in the medical industry.

AIMPLAS sets up new facilities for circular economy research funded by IVACE.

This collaboration with the Valencian Department for Sustainable Economy, Productive Sectors, Trade and Labour, through IVACE, has been key to developing and consolidating the innovation model advocated by both entities.

José Luis Yusá, AIMPLAS president, said, “Our activity and the commitment and financial support of these bodies that share our vision have allowed us to honor our commitment: to support companies in bringing innovation to the market and to offer eco-friendly products that improve people’s quality of life”.

A reference center in the recycling sector

During this event, one of the technology center’s units was also inaugurated following a complete refurbishment project. This unit is divided into three different areas: a recycling pilot plant; a cutting-edge automated warehouse; and an area dedicated to generating R&D&I ideas.

The ground floor of the unit has been fitted out as a pilot plant to carry out mechanical recycling activities, such as shredding, washing, separation and classification. This facility will help strengthen the Valencian Community’s position as a benchmark in the plastics recycling sector.

The opening ceremony for the new facilities.

The new facilities have also been linked by a footbridge with a unique design that reflects the hexagonal structure of a polymer. This metal structure with a micro-perforated PVC membrane coating has already become an iconic feature of Valencia Technology Park.

Commitment to the circular economy

AIMPLAS’ activity in the field of the circular economy last year was reflected in the 178 R&D&I projects presented, almost 1,000 technology services carried out and 40 training activities and workshops attended by more than 2,500 experts from almost 800 companies.

Moreover, the center has strengthened its commitment to the fight against climate change by registering its carbon footprint for 2019, 2020 and 2021 in the register of the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.

This voluntary registration is backed by a comprehensive plan for reducing CO2 emissions, including measures to promote the implementation of self-consumption solar panels and specific actions to foster sustainable mobility.