NEW PRODUCT / SOLUTION
Biocomposite Materials
APPLICATION SECTOR
Rigid plastic
VALORIZED OUTPUT
Coffee silverskin
TRL
Deploy
CONTEXT
Global
SDG
VALUE CHAIN AREA
Biocomposite materials are a promising option for sustainable material production, utilising organic waste from diverse supply chains. Coffee waste, specifically silverskin, shows potential for integration into biopolymer matrices. By combining coffee silverskin with both virgin and recycled ABS, various formulations of biopolymers can be synthesised, offering a range of material properties and applications.
The process entails subjecting coffee silverskin to heat treatment and blending it with plastic matrices, along with appropriate additives. This results in composite materials that can be moulded into intricate shapes, such as headlamp housings, meeting the automotive sector’s strict requirements for durability, thermal stability, and aesthetic appeal.
DESCRIPTION
IMPACTS
It is essential to ensure that silverskin integrates well with the polymer matrix while maintaining the desired performance level. Equally important is the need for an environmentally sustainable production process, ensuring that the resulting biocomposite is either biodegradable or recyclable. Finally, it is important to address concerns regarding cost-effectiveness and scalability, with the aim of reducing production costs and meeting mass demand without compromising the quality and performance standards of coffee waste biocomposite manufacturing.
CHALLENGES AND LIMITS
EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION
Mixcycling
Italy, 2020
(https://mixcycling.com)
McCafè
Ford Motor Company
USA, 2019
(https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-purpose-and-impact/our-planet/packaging-and-waste.htm)
Huskee
Australia
(Huskee - Reusable Coffee Cups)