GAIKER participates as a technological partner in the compostable film and packaging company BIOPLASTICS4HEALTH S.L.

The innovative 100% compostable film and packaging solution of the company Bioplastics4health SL has been developed with the technological contribution of GAIKER.

Faced with the growing environmental challenge of fossil plastic waste, Bioplastics4health SL (B4H) presents an innovative solution: 100% compostable films and packaging made with PHBV, a biopolymer derived from potato starch. Based on an exclusive technology, partially developed by the GAIKER technology centre, and with initial industrial production in Germany, it has plans for expansion in the Basque Country, where B4H is expected to address the lack of industrial capacity in Europe for this compostable material, key to the circular economy.

According to data from Plastics Europe (2024), only 0.6% of the more than 400 million tonnes of plastics produced globally are bioplastics. Production is expected to increase to 7.7 million tonnes by 2029 (annual rate of 14%), driven by regulations such as the EU Single Use Plastics Directive and the demand for sustainable packaging. PHBV stands out for its ‘home’ compostability compared to ‘industrial’ alternatives such as PLA, as well as its better thermal resistance and lower environmental impact.

With an initial investment of 700 K€ and a B2B model, B4H foresees an initial capacity of 2,840 tonnes per year and projects a turnover of 10.3 million euros in 5 years, covering part of a growing European market. The Phase 2 company has already begun the search for public-private financing for a future plant in Spain, in line with EU sustainability regulations and which will enable it to supply part of the Spanish and European agri-food market.

Among the investors in this first round, the lead investor is the company TranXforma Food, S.L., followed by RAISA Film de Polietileno, S.A., an investment group led by Chef Iñaki Andradas, and the GAIKER Technology Centre. A group of small investors from the agri-food sector have also entered the capital through a convertible note. B4H has received a loan of 180 k€ from ENISA’s Agroinnpulso programme and grants from the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and the Basque Business Development Agency of the Basque Government (SPRI).