SUPREME-PILOTS develops advanced PLA-based copolymers — safer, more sustainable and circular alternatives to fossil-based plastics for high-value industrial applications.
The SUPREME-PILOTS project develops a new generation of advanced bio-based plastics by improving PLA (polylactic acid) — a plant-based plastic produced from renewable resources such as corn, sugar beet and other agricultural feedstocks.
PLA is already an important alternative to fossil-based plastics, but standard PLA can be too rigid or brittle and may lack the heat resistance, flexibility and durability needed for demanding applications. SUPREME-PILOTS addresses these limitations through improved PLA-based copolymers — combining PLA with advanced bio-based components such as polyester-polyols and bio-based PTMG to fine-tune flexibility, toughness, resistance and processability.
SUPREME-PILOTS combines advanced chemistry, continuous processing and data-driven development to move efficiently from the lab to industrial scale.
PLA combined with bio-based polyester-polyols and bio-PTMG to fine-tune flexibility, toughness, heat resistance and processability.
A continuous process where ingredients are heated, mixed and chemically reacted at once — improving the material while reducing waste, energy and cost.
Models analyse data from previous experiments to predict the best material combinations and conditions, cutting unnecessary testing.
Validated across large-scale 3D printing, rotational moulding, calendering, film production and lamination.
The new materials will be proven through real product prototypes across four industrial routes.
Large-scale 3D printing of lightweight safety mats, playground floor tiles, wall protection systems and training blocks — combining low weight with impact absorption and durability.
Rotational moulding of outdoor planters and public-space components as bio-based, recyclable alternatives to conventional polyethylene products.
Calendered, more sustainable flooring for public, commercial, healthcare and sports environments — reducing conventional rubber and fossil-based elastomers.
Film production and lamination for flexible industrial signage and warning tapes — a bio-based alternative to PVC with durability, printability, adhesion and recyclability.
Sustainability is built into SUPREME-PILOTS from the first design decision to the end of a product's life.
Circularity is a central element of the project. SUPREME-PILOTS assesses recycling options and end-of-life solutions — including mechanical and chemical recycling routes — so materials stay in use as long as possible and waste is reduced.
Following the European SSbD approach, safety and sustainability are considered from the beginning of material design rather than added at the end — delivering materials that are high-performing, safer for people and better for the environment.
SUPREME-PILOTS unites large companies, SMEs, research and technology organisations and an association across the full value chain — from materials and processing to testing, standardisation, sustainability assessment and innovation management.
AITIIP is a Spanish Research and Technology Organisation and Technology Centre specialised in advanced manufacturing, plastic materials and their transformation processes — including extrusion, injection moulding, thermoforming, rotomoulding, calendering, film extrusion and large-format 3D printing. With over 25 years of experience, it bridges laboratory research and industrial application.
Within SUPREME-PILOTS, AITIIP acts as Project Coordinator. As leader of WP2 it coordinates industrial partners on technical constraints and processing parameters, and as leader of WP7 it drives exploitation, replicability and market strategy — including IP management, key exploitable results, standardisation roadmaps and business plans.
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