Artificial Nature

Bio-based materials from Barcelona

Artificial Nature S.L. is a Barcelona-based company developing high-performance bio-based materials. Its main product is PLH, a polymer platform patented by the company and designed as an alternative to fossil-derived plastics and resins.

PLH polymer platform

PLH is a functional bioplastic with a free chemical double bond in its molecular structure, allowing it to be functionalized with different groups or bioactive compounds. The company says its mechanical properties exceed those of other bioplastics on the market and that it is 300% more flexible than PLA, positioning it as a direct alternative to polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE).

• Programmable biodegradation in soil or water over two to 48 months, or cancellation of biodegradation depending on the application.
• Biodegradation without producing microplastics.
• A 75% reduction in CO2 compared with conventional plastic, according to the company.
• Biocompatibility with humans; it has passed toxicity, cell-proliferation, and cell-adhesion tests.
• Validated on industrial machinery using 60-micron PLH film.
• Acts as a compatibilizer in blends of PP, PE, and PLA with plant waste.

Available forms

• Pellets: For extrusion, injection molding, or 3D printing.
• Powder: An additive for blending with other products, aimed at research and development groups.
• Hydrogel: For controlled release of bioactive compounds in health care, cosmetics, and agriculture.

Applications

The company presents PLH as a cross-industry material, with applications in agriculture, health and wellness, cosmetics, regenerative biomedicine, and packaging.

• Agriculture: Seed coatings; controlled release of fertilizers and pesticides; biodegradable mulch films; packaging for agricultural products; nets and cords; plant labels; compost bags; and greenhouse covers.
• Health and wellness: Cosmetic ingredients and sustainable packaging; tissue engineering for bone and cartilage regeneration; bioabsorbable implants and prostheses; controlled drug release; advanced dressings; sutures and surgical meshes; veterinary medicine; and disposable medical devices.

Preclinical research

The material is undergoing preclinical validation for use as an implant in bone and cartilage regeneration at Vall d’Hebron Hospital and Bellvitge University Hospital.

Contact and hours

Address: 10 Calle Baldiri Reixac, Cluster 2, 08028 Barcelona, Spain. Phone: +34 935 142 218. General email: contact@artificialnature.com. Technical support: RD@artificialnature.com. Sales: comercial@artificialnature.com. Human resources: HR@artificialnature.com. Projects: projects@artificialnature.com. The listed office schedule is Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; weekends, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. by email.