The CHITINMETICS project, in which ICN2 researchers are involved, is making progress in developing more sustainable packaging and cosmetic products based on chitosan.
CHITINMETICS is a scientific project focused on developing and optimising a sustainable manufacturing process for chitosan, a molecule intended for producing cosmetic products. This initiative aims to promote the circular economy and enhance the sustainability of the sector. The entire project has a total budget of €1.168.067,63 and comprises a consortium of three companies (Finaderm, Tebrio, and PFP Thermopolymers), one technology center (AIMPLAS), one public R&D center (ICN2), and Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH) in Valencia, Spain. The project CPP2022-009795 was awarded as part of the Ayudas a Proyectos de Colaboración Público-Privada 2022 (Public-Private Collaboration Project Grants), within the 2021-2023 State Plan for Scientific, Technical, and Innovation Research under the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan. Specifically, the Supramolecular Nanochemistry and Materials Group, represented by Dr Mary Cano, Dr Sonia García Jimeno, and Dr Carlos Alberto Gomes de Souza, and led by ICREA Prof. Daniel Maspoch, is involved in the project.
Chitosan is a natural polymer derived from chitin, a substance found in the exoskeleton of insects and other invertebrate animals. This enables a reduction in the use of solvents and energy for its production. This molecule is widely used in several industries, such as the food industry, due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Furthermore, the study, titled ‘Valorisation of chitosan for the production of sustainable plastics for the cosmetic industry and greening cosmetics properties’, aims to integrate chitosan into biodegradable packaging and cosmetic formulations within three years. The potential benefits of chitosan as a wetting agent, dermal filler, or sunscreen will be evaluated throughout the project and may prove to be advantageous for these products.
CHITINMETICS is thus positioned as a highly promising initiative, aiming to revolutionise the cosmetics sector by encouraging sustainability and advancing the circular economy.