Josefina Bueno, the regional minister overseeing Innovation, Universities, Science and Society, recently visited the Institute for Technological Children’s Products and Entertainment in Ibi to review progress on the BioFCase project. The initiative, backed by a 600,000 euro grant from the Generalitat Valenciana, aims to cut plastic use across the community by two percent. The visit underscored the government’s commitment to turning research into practical, scalable solutions for industry.
This effort is part of a broader cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Innovation and the Community of Valencia’s 11 technology institutes. The pact allocates 3.3 million euros annually to support innovative projects that transform production models and ease the adoption of new technologies across the regional economy, with a focus on helping small and medium sized enterprises and micro-enterprises adopt these advances.
Developed by AIJU, the BioFCase project targets companies in the toy, packaging and tableware sectors that currently rely on fossil-based plastics. The goal is to integrate bioplastics that meet stringent regulatory standards into the value chain, while offering viable alternatives to traditional plastics.
Early projections suggest the initiative could enable around 860,000 products to switch to more sustainable materials. This shift would represent roughly two percent of Valencia’s plastics industry, contributing to lower carbon emissions and reducing the environmental footprint of daily life in the region.
In its second year, the project has helped AIJU design a targeted service for multiple firms, enabling them to produce more sustainable consumer goods. The approach emphasizes replacing plastics with biomass-derived materials, biodegradable options, or blends of biopolymers—creating a practical pathway toward circular economy goals.
The minister highlighted that many companies participated in the project and noted that AIJU’s solution was crafted to meet real company needs without forcing additional research investments.
In tandem with the project news, AIJU has launched an interactive video library designed to support companies as they transition toward circular economy practices. This resource aims to make it easier for firms to understand and implement sustainable production methods while maintaining product performance and cost efficiency.
Minister Josefina Bueno stressed the project’s broader significance for the regional economy and environmental protection. The collaboration is presented as a driver of sustainable growth, helping local businesses stay competitive while contributing to a cleaner, more responsible production landscape.
During the visit, regional secretary for Innovation and Digital Transformation, Marian Campello, along with Sonia Tirado, chief innovation officer, and Rafael Serralta, mayor of Ibi and delegate for Industry and Employment, joined the discussion. The group underscored the critical role of research and innovation in advancing a plastic industry that aligns with sustainability objectives, particularly for a municipality like Ibi, where commitment to greener practices is a defining priority. Serralta also praised the collective effort and ambition shown in pursuing maximum sustainability.