Ibi, Alicante -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/11/2012 -- The Project so called is developing new colour concentrates, based on natural resources from agriculture for diverse thermoplastics. The aim is to obtain high added value masterbatches for the market and that, due to their high innovative value, they will be without competition. The concentrates developed will allow us, at first, to cover the technical requirements of two traditional industrial sectors, being those of toys and auxiliary furniture, although the achieved results could be transferred to other sectors that use injection processes.

Around 80% of plastic products made using the injection process have colorants and other additives within their formulation both, for aesthetic and functional reasons. This is the most widespread method for colouring and modifying the properties of plastics which must be compatible with the matrix polymer to which they are added.

That is why, the enterprise IQAP (colour & additives concentrates manufacturer) with AIJU’s support (technological centre for child & leisure products), is undertaking this project for the development of totally innovative masterbatches that include the natural resource of almond shell in their composition. The companies responsible for the initial testing of these color concentrates are: INJUSA, devoted to the production of children’s bicycles, electrical toys, ride ons and tricycles, and PÉREZ CERDÁ, an enterprise devoted to the Plastic Injection of auxiliary furniture among many other products.

This project, funded by CDTI within its Research & Development program (Expedient IDI-20120212) and co-funded by FEDER funds, involves great innovation and a high technological level as it will contribute to medium term sustainability and will boost the competitiveness of the toy and auxiliary furniture industries specifically, as well as that of injection in general.

About AIJU
The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) is a non-profit making organisation, located in Ibi, the Spanish geographic centre for the manufacture of toys. It was founded in 1985 with the collaboration of the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association (AEFJ) and the Regional Government (IMPIVA).

Its aim is to transfer and allow toy manufacturers access to the knowledge of new technologies in order to improve their competitivity, while offering technological and financial assessment and supporting the professional development of people involved in the sector. For this purpose, it has a staff of 75 professionals who develop their work in the different departments that make up AIJU. Besides, this organization is provided with the required infrastructure to manage the different activities it undertakes.

The department intended to carry out these tasks is that of Product Development – Laboratory Department, specifically the Processing and Materials area. This area has several research lines for the development of new materials for traditional and Rapid Manufacturing processes, manufacturing & decoration processes and pre-treatments in order to optimise such processes.

AIJU is the leader of PLATECMA (Technological Platform of Traditional Manufacturer products) and an active member of the Rapid Manufacturing European Platform and the Spanish mirror led by ASERM, the Spanish Rapid Manufacturing Association, EuMAT, EFFRA the European Platform for Sports Innovation and Manufuture. AIJU is a member of the “Materials” group promoted by REDIT, the RDT Centres of IMPIVA’s Network.

In the field of standardisation, the entity is working on the potential feasibility of proposed legislation as well as new safety criteria for toys, with participation in several proficiency testing schemes both, on a National and European Level. Thus, it is participating in the development of new standards for toys in the European Committee of Normalization (CEN).

Find further information at: http://www.aiju.info.