ECO-FALLES 4.0

A project led by the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) brings technological innovation to the heart of the Fallas world. ECO-FALLES 4.0 has developed digital tools, new recycled materials and structural calculation systems that improve the productivity of Fallas artists, reduce the environmental impact of the monuments and increase their safety, three key challenges for the future of Fallas.

"Every year, Fallas generate an extraordinary economic impact in the Valencian Community, especially in sectors such as tourism and hospitality. However, this impact does not always reach the Fallas workshops, which face tight budgets, high artistic demands and a poorly digitised production model. Our project aims to help reverse this situation," says Luis Pallarés, researcher at the UPV's ICITECH Institute and coordinator of ECO-FALLES 4.0.

An alternative to polystyrene: 3D-printed ninots made from reused plastic bottles

The UPV team has developed CHOP-CHOP, a free, open-source application that divides large three-dimensional models of Fallas monuments into smaller pieces ready for printing on commercial 3D printers. 'This tool makes workshop processes easier, improves efficiency and opens the door to more precise and controlled production,' says Marco de Rossi, a researcher at the UPV's Institute for Heritage Restoration (IR) and also a member of the ECO-FALLES 4.0 project.

In addition, the UPV team has successfully formulated 3D printing spools from recycled materials, significantly reducing dependence on fossil-based plastics. Specifically, they have developed filaments made of 90% recycled polypropylene and others based on PET, with 80% recovered from recycling plants (plastic bottles) and industrial waste.

'The application of these materials would reduce the current massive use of petroleum-derived materials, such as polystyrene. It would help reduce waste, lower the carbon footprint and move towards more environmentally friendly Fallas,' says Luis Pallarés.

STRUC-FALLES application

The third major result of the project focuses on structural safety, a key aspect of Fallas monuments. The UPV team has created STRUC-FALLES, an app that brings structural calculations closer to Fallas artists in a simple, practical way. Along with this, a quick reference guide has been developed to help dimension structures correctly, reducing the risk of failure and increasing the safety of the monuments.

'ECO-FALLES 4.0 demonstrates that tradition and innovation can not only coexist, but also reinforce each other. Thanks to technology, Fallas can continue to be spectacular, but also more sustainable, safer and more profitable for those who build them,' concludes Fran Pallarés, researcher at ICITECH-UPV and member of the project.

This project has been funded by the Valencian Institute of Competitiveness and Innovation (IVACE+i), within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme for the Valencian Community 2021-2027. The UPV team has also collaborated with the Fallas Vicente Martínez workshop and the company SP-Berner.

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