BioColEol
This project is funded by Interreg Vlaanderen-Nederland and is co-financed by the Province of Limburg and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.
Objectives
BioColEol aims to develop and apply bio-based colorants and polymers.
The main goals are:
- Development of Bio-based Colorants: The project focuses on colorants such as curcumine, pelargonidin, purpurine, and alizarine, which are environmentally friendly and stable.
- Improving Color Stability: By applying industrial methods and integrating the colorants into bio-based matrices.
- End-of-Life Strategies: Evaluating mechanical recycling, decolorization, and biodegradation of bio-based polymers.
- Cytotoxicity and Environmental Impact: Comparing bio-based colorants with synthetic alternatives to ensure their safety and environmental friendliness.
Expected Outcomes
The project aims to stimulate the bio-polymer market, enhance collaboration with SMEs, and achieve synergies in the triple helix (academia, industry, government). Additionally, new circular strategies for bio-based products will be developed.
About us
As raw materials are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive, it is essential to develop sustainable systems and products that meet the needs of society. This is particularly challenging in sectors such as the textile and packaging industries, where requirements such as wearing comfort, wash resistance, food preservation, and product safety are central.
BioColEol focuses on this transition toward a circular economy by addressing the shortcomings in the recyclability of textile and packaging materials and by investigating the impact of synthetic colorants on compostability. Industrial composting is currently one of the most effective ways to recycle biopolymers, but this process is hindered by the widespread presence of non-biodegradable synthetic colorants. Recent studies, such as those conducted within the Interreg NWE project Curcol, demonstrate that high-quality biobased colorants derived from curcumin are feasible. In addition, other natural colorants such as pelargonidin, purpurin, and alizarin will be further developed. In this context, color stability will be improved, and the final environmental impact and toxicity will be thoroughly evaluated.
This project builds on previous successful collaborations within pioneering Interreg projects such as BB100, Circulaire Teelt & Chemie and Curcol. By combining expertise in material development and chemical and thermomechanical recycling, BioColEol offers a unique opportunity to stimulate the biopolymer market and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The consortium behind BioColEol, with partners such as Centexbel, Ghent University, Maastricht University, and Avans University of Applied Sciences, is committed to scaling up biobased innovations and supporting companies in their implementation.