The startup ADBioplastics, specialising in the development of bio-based compostable additives and bioplastics to boost the sustainability of the plastics industry, has been selected as one of the 50 finalist startups in the international VDS Startup Competition, which is being held as part of the Valencia Digital Summit 2025 on 22 and 23 October at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia.
Credit: ADBioplastics
Caps and tags for textile labels made by injection moulding technologies using PLA-Premium bioplastic
This recognition comes after a historic edition of the competition, which has broken participation records with 1,246 applications received from 84 countries. Organised by Startup Valencia, with the collaboration of the global platform Sesamers, the competition seeks to identify the startups with the greatest disruptive potential at a global level, capable of generating a positive impact through technological innovation.
ADBioplastics, based in Valencia, Spain, has stood out for its pioneering technology in the production of advanced compostable materials that break with the limits of traditional bioplastics, a sustainable, functional and competitive alternative to conventional fossil-based plastics for industries such as agri-food, cosmetics, textiles, 3D printing, consumer goods and many more. The startup manufactures and markets ADBio PLA+ additive and PLA-Premium grades, an advanced bioplastic born from the combination of this patented additive and pure PLA bioplastic.
PLA-Premium offers superior technical properties, such as substantially improved mechanical properties, processability or barrier to oxygen and water vapour of traditional bioplastics, making it ideal for applications in packaging, filaments, fabrics or complex pieces, thus contributing to the objectives of the circular economy and the decarbonisation of Spanish industry.
Of all the startups selected, 64% come from abroad, with a strong presence from the United Kingdom, the United States, Portugal, Ukraine, Italy and Estonia. Sustainability, artificial intelligence and advanced industry are some of the main technological areas in this edition. Specifically, 32% of the finalist proposals are focused on Cleantech, Energy and Sustainability sectors.
In the coming weeks, the international jury will choose the 10 finalist startups (5 early stage and 5 growth stage) that will present their project on the main stage of the event in front of more than 12,000 professionals from the tech ecosystem.
With this selection, ADBioplastics consolidates its position as one of the most innovative industrial startups in the field of sustainable plastics in Europe and reinforces its commitment to the transition towards a more responsible and safe production model, aligned with international regulatory challenges.
More information on the selected participants and details of this edition can be found on the VDS 2025 website.