BIOPLASTEC – Sustainable and Digital Technologies for Processing and Biobased Polymers

The BIOPLASTEC project aims to develop, implement, and industrially validate innovative solutions based on biobased thermoplastic polymers (b-TPs), offering sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil-based plastics. The project seeks to accelerate the adoption of biobased materials and promote more circular, resource-efficient, and environmentally responsible industrial value chains. Bringing together industrial companies and research and technology organisations, BIOPLASTEC combines materials research, advanced manufacturing technologies, industrial digitalisation, and environmental sustainability. The project encompasses eight Products, Processes or Services (PPS), demonstrating the potential of biobased polymers across different industrial applications, including healthcare. Its holistic approach considers the entire product lifecycle, including recyclability, environmental performance, and requirements for industrial-scale production.

ciTechCare’s Contribution – PPS3: Orthopaedic Splint by Microcellular Injection Moulding

ciTechCare participates in PPS3, which focuses on developing an orthopaedic splint manufactured using microcellular injection moulding and biobased thermoplastic polymers. Through its participation, ciTechCare contributes to the project’s multidisciplinary approach, bringing a healthcare perspective to developing innovative, more sustainable orthopaedic solutions. PPS3 illustrates the potential to incorporate biobased materials into healthcare-related products, supporting the transition to more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes while meeting the requirements of their intended applications.

Keywords:  Biobased Polymers, Circular Economy, Green Transition, Healthcare Innovation, Microcellular Injection Moulding, Orthopaedic Devices,  Sustainable                                     Materials

Project Leader: Moliporex – Moldes Portugueses, Importação e Exportação, S.A.

ciTechCare’s Role: Research and development partner in PPS3 – Orthopaedic Splint by Microcellular Injection Moulding.

Principal Investigator @ ciTechCare(PI) : Maria Guarino (maria.guarino@ulo.pt)

Research Team:

Duration: 36 months (2025 – 2028)

Institutional Partners and Others

  • CABOPOL – Polymer Compounds, S.A.
  • School of Tourism and Maritime Technology of Peniche – University of Leiria and Oeste
  • PIEP – Innovation in Polymer Engineering
  • Plácido Roque, S.A.
  • PLASDAN – Automação e Sistemas, Lda
  • Ribermold, Lda.
  • RotoVedras – Tecnologia de Plásticos Moldados, Lda
  • TWEVO, Lda.
  • University of Minho
  • United Resins – Produção de Resinas, S.A.
  • EREBOR EUROPE, Unipessoal, Lda.
  • Carbus – Veículos e Equipamentos, S.A.
  • MUVU Technologies, Lda.
  • ZØRTHERMAL, Lda.
  • Nobrac – Industrial Solutions for Aerospace, S.A.
  • FHP – Frezite High Performance, Unipessoal, Lda.
  • EWTIPO, High Tech Injection, Lda.
  • INEGI – Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Funding: COMPETE2030-FEDER-03033700 (Project No. 25477)