Dear readers,

On 30 June 2026, the ViSS project will take part in a dedicated webinar exploring how the Safe and Sustainable by Design approach is being applied in practice across European projects working on bio-based, circular and sustainable materials.

The session will bring together speakers from ViSS, ReBIOlution, together with the cluster of PHAntastic, VINNY, BIOBIVE and Agro4Agri. Through concrete project experiences, the webinar will highlight practical approaches, common challenges and lessons learned in implementing SSbD in real innovation contexts.

Why attend?

Discover how SSbD can support better materials and packaging solutions

Learn how SSbD is being applied across different European projects

Understand practical challenges in assessing safety, sustainability and circularity

Read the newsletter online

PUBLICATION DATE: Jun 23, 2026

Dear readers,

The ViSS project continues to advance in its mission to develop safe, sustainable, and biodegradable packaging solutions. Over the past months, the consortium has made important progress across research, policy engagement, and knowledge sharing, with new publications and resources now being released.

Two new policy briefs have recently been shared: the first on SSbD evaluation framework and recommendations for bio-based plastics and another on Recommendations on missing aspects in standardisation and regulation of bio-based materials and products. These contributions address key policy and regulatory aspects supporting the development of sustainable bio-based plastics.

In parallel, new articles and technical publications are being released, including insights into the ViSS ICT platform. To improve accessibility, all project resources are now available on Zenodo, allowing everyone to easily access the project’s results.

At the beginning of March, the ViSS consortium met to review the activities carried out in recent months and to plan the next steps. The meeting was kindly hosted by AITEX, which gave partners the opportunity to visit their facilities and learn more about their work.

Looking ahead, in April ViSS will participate in a major international conference, Polymers 2026, in Portugal.

Many more results are on the way, including new papers, infopacks, and events.

Stay tuned for more updates!

 

On behalf of the ViSS Team

 

Read the newsletter online

PUBLICATION DATE: Mar 25, 2026

Dear readers,

Step by step, the ViSS project continues to move forward in its mission to create safe, sustainable, and fully biodegradable packaging solutions.

In early September, the ViSS consortium was hosted by Helian Polymers, in the Netherlands. This key meeting provided the opportunity to reflect on progress, share insights, and align strategies for the next stage of development.

One of the notable achievements so far has been the successful production of PHBV with up to 30% hydroxyvalerate (HV) – a significant innovation within the PHA industry. This high HV content enhances the material’s flexibility and processability, making it particularly well-suited for a range of packaging applications. It represents a novel development that sets ViSS apart in the field of bioplastics.

Currently, the project is focused on developing three packaging formats:

1) Flexible

2) Semi-flexible

3) Mesh-based

All are designed to be biodegradable, recyclable, and safe for use, with early prototypes already tested by the consortium partners. Results so far have been very promising, reinforcing the potential of PHBV as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

Beyond R&D, ViSS continues to engage with the wider community:

  • Participating in international sustainability events;
  • Gaining visibility through EU dissemination platforms;
  • Supporting environmental initiatives, such as beach clean-ups.

Thank you for following our progress! The coming months will bring further developments that we look forward to sharing with you. Read ViSS #4 newsletter online here.


On behalf of ViSS Consortium
and Nydia Badillo, Helian Polymers.

PUBLICATION DATE: Oct 7, 2025

Dear Readers,

Great news from the ViSS project!

As we reach month 22, we have achieved substantial breakthroughs in our mission to create sustainable bioplastics.

We have successfully optimized the PHBV production process, from initial feedstock to final purified product. This means we’re now more efficient in:

  • Generating volatile fatty acids from sugar waste.
  • Producing PHBV from diverse waste streams, including volatile fatty acids, sugar waste, and poultry waste.
  • Extracting and purifying the PHBV for high quality.

The Consortium is now dedicated to the next crucial steps: formulating and compounding the PHBV, and constructing the ViSS DEMO plant. Our recent meeting in Barcelona provided a productive forum to propel these efforts forward.

Stay updated on the latest news and progress from the ViSS project by joining our community!

Read ViSS #3 newsletter online here

Carmen Fernández Ayuso,
CETEC Centro Tecnològico del Calzado y del Plàstico

PUBLICATION DATE: Jun 11, 2025

Dear Readers,

The ViSS project continues to make significant strides in addressing the challenges of developing functional bioplastics.

With ViSS, we’re turning those challenges into opportunities.

In this second issue of our newsletter, we’re excited to share the ViSS value chain directly from our partners’ perspectives.

Fourteen insightful videos highlight the journey we’ve taken to transform waste materials into bioplastics, focusing on both innovation and the practicality of our methodologies.

Our recent consortium meeting, held in Seville on October 6th, provided an opportunity for partners to come together, exchange updates, and share best practices.

We’re also pleased to announce the launch of a new social media channel – Facebook! This platform will offer a fresh way to stay updated on ViSS project milestones, events, and news.

Join us as we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of sustainable plastic solutions!

 

Chiara Locuratolo & Ludovica Guerrieri

ViSS communication officers,

Fondazione ICONS

Read ViSS #2 newsletter online here.

If you haven’t signed up yet, subscribe here.

 

PUBLICATION DATE: Dec 11, 2024