In Europe, a multi-country collaboration is looking to replace synthetic dyes in bioplastics with non-toxic alternatives made from turmeric. The Interreg Northwest Europe project CurCol includes partners from research labs in Ireland, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands and is looking to develop biodegradable yellow pigments based on curcuma, or turmeric root. Curcumin is found mostly in India, where it is widely used to make the region’s signature yellow curry.
Led by the Avans Foundation, the CurCol project has €2.61 million ($3.08 million) in funding, €1.57 million of which is directly from the European Union.
The limited number of biodegradable dyes currently available do not meet necessary standards for use in packaging.