# Microalgae-Based Barrier Coatings AIMPLAS Introduced MULTIPLY Recyclable Barrier Coatings By Kanesa David | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-03-02 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recyclable-barrier-coatings References: [packagingeurope](https://packagingeurope.com/news/aimplas-develops-recyclable-barrier-coatings-in-microalgae-project/13958.article) & [aimplas.net](https://www.aimplas.net/)  AIMPLAS, the Spanish plastics technology centre, joined the [EU](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/PPWR-ready-packaging) MULTIPLY project to develop [recyclable barrier coatings derived from microalgae](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kelpi-and-amcor), featuring formulations intended for packaging substrates and active cosmetics packaging. The initiative was introduced as part of a wider consortium effort to replace fossil-derived barriers with bio-based alternatives and improve end-of-life recycling. Project work covered coating chemistries, compatibility with existing packaging materials, and performance testing to meet barrier requirements while supporting circularity. The coatings were designed to maintain [barrier properties against moisture and oxygen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sappi-paper-packaging) and to be processable with conventional coaters, helping converters and brands adopt lower-carbon materials. For consumers, the development signals packaging that supports recyclability without sacrificing protection, aligning with demand for sustainable beauty and food packaging and broader circular-economy trends. Image Credit: PongsadhornJR / Shutterstock ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 66% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Microalgae-based Materials:** A shift toward microalgae-derived polymers and additives creates materials with low-carbon footprints and novel functional properties that could replace fossil-based barrier layers. - **Circular Barrier Coatings:** Development of recyclable barrier coatings that balance oxygen and moisture resistance with end-of-life recyclability signals coatings designed to close material loops in packaging value chains. - **Coater-compatible Bioformulations:** Formulations engineered to run on conventional coating equipment enable rapid industrial uptake by minimizing capital changes while introducing bio-based chemistries into existing production lines. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food and Beverage Packaging:** High-performance recyclable barriers can redefine shelf-life strategies and labeling, enabling lighter environmental footprints for perishable product supply chains. - **Cosmetics and Personal Care Packaging:** Active and protective packaging solutions formulated from microalgae materials offer brand-differentiating sustainability credentials for premium and mass-market beauty products. - **Plastics Recycling and Waste Management:** Barrier coatings designed for compatibility with recycling streams present opportunities to simplify sorting and improve recycled-content quality across polymer recovery systems. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Acoustic Tiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycelium-wall.md) - [Sustainable Packaging Options](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vetroplas-1.md) - [Recycled Material Packaging Additives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colormatrix-amosorb-oxyloop1.md) - [Plant-Based Skin Regeneration Compounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skin-regeneration-compound.md) - [Bio-Based Single-Use Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verigreen-plus.md) - [Biotransformable Cup Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verigreen.md) - [Mold-Avoiding Painting Coatings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spectrum-blue-antimicrobial.md) - [Home-Compostable Beauty Pipettes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-pipette.md) - [Multi-Functional Coating Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microban-international-1.md)