Spanish plastics technology centre Aimplas has revealed it is taking part in an EU project aimed at creating packaging products from microalgae.
The Multiply initiative, launched in June 2025 and funded by the Horizon Europe programme, brings together 17 partners to develop 10 bio-based solutions across five sectors.
The project focuses on replacing ingredients derived from fossil and food sources with sustainable alternatives.
In addition to packaging, it covers food, animal feed, cosmetics, and lubricants, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of everyday products and supporting the profitable cultivation of microalgae in Europe.
Five species of microalgae
Researchers are working with five species of microalgae, including diatoms, Arthrospira (Spirulina), Tetraselmis, Nannochloropsis and Chromochloris zofingiensis.
They are aiming to produce a range of applications, including natural colourings and protein-rich ingredients for food, and salmon-feed components enriched with microalgae compounds.
Other developments include esters made from biological sources for cosmetics and lubricants, as well as compostable films, paper coatings and packaging made from algae oils and starch.
At Aimplas, teams are developing sustainable solutions from materials made from microalgae for packaging applications. This includes recyclable barrier coatings for paper with water and grease resistance, offering an alternative to conventional paper and PE multilayers.
The centre is also contributing to active cosmetic packaging that incorporates materials made from microalgae, such as functional compounds and structural matrices, designed to improve product stability and reduce the need for preservatives.
Pilot testing
In the coming months, the project will begin pilot activities for nutrient recovery, test a new monitoring tool, and deliver the first algae extracts and oils for product development.
The consortium also intends to carry out studies on the sustainability and market potential of algae-based products, providing the evidence needed to support wider adoption and bring a new generation of solutions to the European market.
“The idea that microalgae will drive a circular future sums up our approach,” said Marta Paiva, project coordinator at A4F, a Portuguese company specialising in microalgae cultivation and processing, and the lead coordinator of the Multiply project.
“We focus on specific products and sectors where algae can replace conventional ingredients, backed by data on their performance, sustainability and scalability.”
