Display of step plaque moulds for PET and PETg masterbatches with different percentages of colour. The first sheet has 8 plaques before UV and the second sheet has the same 8 after 1 year of UV exposure.
In June, the final ECOPRO consortium meeting took place at the Technological University of the Shannon, with project partners Avans Hodgeschool, Münster University and DeltaQ.
Over the course of the 18 months, the project team reflected on the achievements and advancements of ECOPRO, including improving colourant production and purification of curcumin, in red, orange and yellow tones. Testing and validation of PLA products to meet industry standards, in addition to evaluating the feasibility of industryy-specific processes and establishing new approaches to compost microcosms.
Members of the ECOPRO project team and collaborators at Technological University of the Shannon, final consortium meeting.
A significant element of phase three of the ECOPRO project focused on understanding the public’s view of sustainable plastic production and alternative materials.
Understanding Public Awareness of Bio-Based Additives: Insights from a Socio-Economic Study
A socio-economic questionnaire was distributed by the University of Münster in early 2025 to assess public acceptance of bio-based additives. Sharing the questionnaire on platforms like LinkedIn played an important role in spreading the word about the project and raising awareness about additives in bio-based packaging. The survey explored the knowledge of the respondents, attitudes towards higher costs or reduced product quality, and their views on sustainability.
Findings showed that participants with higher education levels tended to be more informed about additives. When it came to sustainability, practical strategies such as circular economy principles, sustainable consumption, and mobility were rated more highly than abstract concepts. Bio-based packaging was generally viewed positively, particularly for its environmental and health benefits, while concerns focused on price, aesthetics, and performance. Overall, consumer acceptance appeared closely tied to effectiveness and affordability.
Going forward the ECOPRO project will continue to progress their goals of developing sustainable, stable, and environmentally friendly colourants for various applications, paving the way for innovation in the use of natural materials in industry after project completion.