Development of recyclable, sustainable and functionalised packaging materials using plant-based technology to replace plastic

使用植物技术替代塑料，开发可回收、可持续和功能化的包装材料

• 批准号: 10078567
• 金额: $ 60.04万
• 依托单位: CELLUCOMP LIMITED
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Collaborative R&D
• 财政年份: 2023
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2023 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=10078567
• 关键词: Development; recyclable; sustainable; functionalised; packaging

The UoE has discovered a unique enzyme which enables new functionalities to be introduced into cellulosic materials and patented its use for industrial applications. CelluComp produces microfibrillated cellulose from vegetable plant waste. This project will combine these technologies to offer enhanced materials for applications in paper-based packaging to replace single use plastic packaging.The materials developed will enable the replacement of the additives used in paper based packaging that help to provide strengthening (in wet and dry state) and barrier properties. These additives can include Per/poly-fluoro substances (PFAS or forever chemicals), polyimides, epichlorohydrins etc. some of these chemicals are in the process of coming under legislative restrictions in many countries.In addition, the materials/processes developed in this project will enable 3D-moulded paper package to be moulded with higher quality surface finishes. A high quality surface finish is critical for application of water based barrier coatings at levels, which do not impede recyclability/repulpability and biodegradability of the paper-based packaging yet still give the high levels of barrier for water/grease and oxygen resistance required for food contact packaging.The project will carry out an independent Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to assess the environmental impact of these new materials and processes. The opportunity to develop this plant enzyme based method to produce sustainable packaging and replace PFAS and oil based chemicals has considerable potential for economic and societal impact.

UoE发现了一种独特的酶，可以将新功能引入纤维素材料，并为其工业应用申请了专利。赛璐珞公司从蔬菜废料中生产微纤化纤维素。该项目将结合这些技术，为纸质包装的应用提供增强材料，以取代一次性塑料包装。所开发的材料将能够取代纸质包装中使用的添加剂，这些添加剂有助于提供强化（在湿和干状态下）和阻隔性能。这些添加剂可以包括全氟/多氟物质（PFAS或永久化学品）、聚酰亚胺、环氧氯丙烷等，其中一些化学品在许多国家正在受到立法限制。此外，该项目开发的材料/工艺将使3d模压纸包装具有更高质量的表面光洁度。高质量的表面光洁度对于水基阻隔涂料的应用至关重要，这不会妨碍纸基包装的可回收性/可还原性和可生物降解性，但仍然提供高水平的水/油脂屏障和食品接触包装所需的抗氧性。该项目将进行独立的生命周期分析（LCA），以评估这些新材料和工艺对环境的影响。开发这种基于植物酶的方法来生产可持续包装并取代PFAS和油基化学品的机会具有相当大的经济和社会影响潜力。