TARPAULIFE is a project funded by the European program LIFE that seeks to revolutionize freshwater transport through the development of fabrics coated with polyolefins, a sustainable alternative to PVC. This means that this innovative material will be used to manufacture flexible bags and transport water by sea, offering a more ecological and efficient solution.
These bags made of traditional canvases, manufactured with polyester coated with PVC, are known for their strength and low cost, but they also present significant challenges for recycling. For this reason, the project proposes to replace PVC with polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, materials that are easier to recycle and have a lower environmental impact, while maintaining key properties such as impermeability, flexibility, and durability.
The main objective of the project is to produce more sustainable water bags that can be used to transport large volumes of freshwater between areas with excess resources and regions affected by droughts, seasonal increases in demand, or emergency situations.
To achieve this, the project managers will manufacture two water bags with a capacity of 2,500 cubic meters each, which will be tested in the North Sea off the coast of Iceland and in the Mediterranean. These bags will substitute PVC with polyolefins in their coating, significantly reducing their environmental impact.
Flexible bags for transporting water by sea. Photo: Rino.
Impact and Production Objectives
- Sustainable Production: A new plant located in Milan, managed by Ziplast, will produce polyolefin-coated fabrics 3 meters wide, with an initial annual capacity of 250,000 m².
- Emissions Reduction: The incineration of over 2,000 tons of PVC will be avoided, saving more than 13 tons of CO₂ emissions into the environment.
- Scalability: In the three years following the project’s completion, over 100 bags capable of storing 2 million cubic meters of water will be manufactured in three freshwater centers.
Expanding Sustainable Applications
In addition to water transport bags, this innovative project aims to apply this recyclable material in other sectors such as:
- Truck tarps: offering an ecological alternative for cargo protection.
- Glacier covers: to protect glacier ice from melting.
The new method for transporting freshwater. Photo: RINA.
Continuation of Successful Projects
TARPAULIFE is based on the previous results of the REFRESH and XXL-REFRESH projects, where modular water bags with zipper joints were designed. Now, the focus is on improving the coating material, making recycling easier and reducing the environmental footprint.
This project aims to demonstrate that it is possible to combine innovation, sustainability, and functionality to address global challenges, such as efficient water management in a context of climate change.
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