INNOVA-CV 2025 BIOBASADOS CAFÉ
Development and manufacturing of a new line of biobased products

The Instituto Valenciano de Competitividad Empresarial (IVACE) has awarded us a grant of 28.710,00 €, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) at a rate of 45% through the Programa Operativo FEDER de la Comunitat Valenciana, for the project entitled “DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING OF A NEW LINE OF BIOBASED PRODUCTS”, with reference number IMINOA/2025/106, submitted under the PROYECTOS DE INNOVACIÓN DE PYME (INNOVA-CV) programme.

The objective of this project was to develop a new range of sustainable products manufactured from biobased and recycled materials through the reuse of coffee waste as a natural pigment in a PLA (polylactic acid) matrix. The development was focused on the production of reusable items for the hospitality sector, promoting a solution aligned with the principles of the circular economy and the reduction of the environmental impact associated with the use of conventional plastics.

During the project, research was carried out on the formulation of a composite material based on PLA and coffee waste, processed into pellet form for subsequent transformation by injection moulding. In addition, the manufacturing process was optimized and specific moulds were designed to ensure the quality of the final product. The mechanical and aesthetic properties of the new material were also evaluated in order to validate its technical feasibility and to select an initial product for prototype manufacturing.

The research enabled progress in the development of a new range of sustainable and reusable products, expanding the company’s application potential within the hospitality sector. The incorporation of biobased materials and valorised waste promotes the technological differentiation of the developed solution and reinforced the company’s commitment to more environmentally responsible manufacturing processes.

The project also stands out for its contribution to sustainability by promoting the valorisation of spent coffee grounds as a by-product, thereby reducing the generation of organic waste and the use of synthetic colourants. The use of PLA, a biodegradable biopolymer, also contributes to reducing the carbon footprint and fostering the development of reusable products, encouraging a more sustainable consumption model and a more efficient use of resources.