The CALAGUA group participates in the VALPLAST project, which seeks to develop strategies to improve the biodegradation of bioplastics in anaerobic digesters.

The CALAGUA research group, a joint UV-UPV unit, participates in the project Valorisation of bioplastics through anaerobic co-digestion in wastewater treatment plants (VALPLAST) together with AIMPLAS, leader of the consortium, Global Ómnium Medioambiente and FYCH Technologies. 
 
The VALPLAST project, funded by the Agència Valenciana de la Innovació (AVI), aims to promote the valorisation of bioplastics through their co-digestion with WWTP sludge, generating biogas as an energy vector and a biosolid with potential agricultural use. This initiative is in line with the objectives of the Circular Economy Action Plan of the European Green Pact.
 
Within the framework of VALPLAST, the CALAGUA group has made significant progress in research using pre-treatments that improve the biodegradability of bioplastics in anaerobic digesters. During the first year of the project, the CALAGUA group has worked with different bioplastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA), which is widely used in industry. However, its complete decomposition presents challenges in conventional treatment systems due to its chemical structure. 
 
The thermochemical pre-treatment developed by the CALAGUA research group allows to significantly increase the biodegradability of PLA, overcoming the chemical limitations that hinder its degradation. As a result, the complete conversion of PLA into biomethane, a sustainable energy source, has been achieved, while reducing the accumulation of these wastes in landfills. 
 
CALAGUA's innovative approach not only improves the management of difficult-to-manage bioplastic waste, but also contributes to the closure of the life and energy cycle, fostering a more circular and sustainable economy. The CALAGUA group continues to work on optimising these technologies to broaden their impact and reaffirms its commitment to sustainable solutions that address today's challenges in waste management and clean energy production.