Technological watch
Bio-based packaging films could revolutionize global markets – LUT and VTT are developing a new solution from cellulose
LUT University and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland are developing new environmentally friendly packaging solutions with 34 industrial partners. In the Films for Future (F3) research project, a cellulose-based alternative will replace the plastic films of cardboard packages. The program is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
”New cellulose films can partly outdo the traditional plastic films made from fossil raw materials. This way, we’re helping renewable and sustainable packaging materials become globally more common,” says Ville Leminen, associate professor of mechanical engineering at LUT University.
Packages with bio-based and bio-degradable films will make recycling easier, because they can be put straight into the cardboard recycling pile. Recyclability will also minimize the amount of waste and tackle littering.
”If a wrong kind of package ends up in a cardboard recycling pile, the machine starts to malfunction and all the material goes to waste. The bio-based film fits in the existing recycling systems, which will also improve the system’s fault resilience,” tells Research Professor Ali Harlin of VTT.
The new film material will also meet the demands of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, which deals with the shift to a circular economy and improving the quality of the environment.
”New cellulose films can partly outdo the traditional plastic films made from fossil raw materials. This way, we’re helping renewable and sustainable packaging materials become globally more common,” says Ville Leminen, associate professor of mechanical engineering at LUT University.
Packages with bio-based and bio-degradable films will make recycling easier, because they can be put straight into the cardboard recycling pile. Recyclability will also minimize the amount of waste and tackle littering.
”If a wrong kind of package ends up in a cardboard recycling pile, the machine starts to malfunction and all the material goes to waste. The bio-based film fits in the existing recycling systems, which will also improve the system’s fault resilience,” tells Research Professor Ali Harlin of VTT.
The new film material will also meet the demands of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, which deals with the shift to a circular economy and improving the quality of the environment.
This project has been co-funded with the support of the LIFE financial instrument of the European Union [LIFE17 ENV/ES/000438] Life programme
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