FutureBioPack

The FutureBioPack project will undertake development work and business case studies on sustainable packaging systems based on renewable bio-based materials. These renewable materials will have defined barrier properties and highly functional surface and mechanical properties. The work will focus on lightweight bio-based packaging materials (paper and board, biopolymers). The starting materials will include flat board materials (solid board, cardboard, folding boxboard, corrugated board types) and 3-D fiber molded trays, bio-based coatings, laminates, and bio-composites.

The research work will focus on improving the barrier, surface and mechanical properties of flat and 3-D fiber molded packaging products, for example by coating with renewable materials. The emphasis will be on smart packaging applications, covering the entire value creation chain (production >> further processing >> usage >> disposal) and including printed on indicator systems. Matters concerning statutory regulations, product requirements, stakeholders, usage, etc. will be considered by undertaking business case studies.

The FutureBioPack project will create new benefits and specific applications for paper and board substrate materials. The addition of bio-based renewable materials will improve sustainability and recyclability, thus enhancing the competitiveness of the paper and board packaging industry.

Expected project results The project aims to develop novel combinations of innovative materials that are fully bio-based and have comparable or better specific properties than current non-sustainable packaging materials. In addition, a new spray coating process will be developed in order to apply the bio-based coating materials to 3-D fiber molded packaging.