Swedish manufacturing technology provider Yangi has initiated a strategic research collaboration project to develop new barrier chemistry and methods for the formation of fibre-based packaging related to dry forming and wet-moulding technologies.
- The consortium is represented by actors from the packaging value chain, including brand owners from Sweden and Europe, raw material and chemical suppliers, manufacturers, and technology developers for cellulose-based packaging for wet-moulding and dry forming.
- The partners include Holmen Iggesund, Solenis, Fiber-X, FutureLab & Partners AB, Duni Group, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Lund University, and a premium brand owner within the consumer goods segment.
- The project is supported by BioInnovation, a strategic innovation programme financed by Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas, and the participating stakeholders.
- The project’s total budget is SEK 7.7 million and the project will run between May 2022 and February 2025.
Replacing single-use plastic: The aim of the project is to drive development work within the industry in order to achieve 100% bio-based packaging without losing product qualities that can satisfy the rising demand for:
- Circularity, recyclability, and sustainability;
- Resource efficiency;
- Attractive design;
- Formability;
- Rigidity and 3D-format.
The Backdrop: The project aims to establish a research collaboration around cellulose-based formable packaging.
- Cellulose-based packaging has the potential to replace 40% of all rigid plastic packaging, which corresponds to 1.8 million tonnes of material.
- This area is therefore of the highest relevance for the Swedish forest industry and the transition to a bio-based economy.
- The EU commission’s upcoming directive against single-use plastics will also affect the paper industry. This leads to a great need for new functional chemistry for cellulose-based packaging.
- The project is expected to provide an in-depth understanding of how different processes affect the mechanical properties of both virgin and recycled cellulose fibres.
- It will also develop new chemistry for wet and dry forming techniques to achieve 100% bio-based packaging solutions. This will develop two competitive packaging concepts that ensure a low footprint and optimised circularity without sacrificing product properties.
