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

UOE发现了一种独特的酶，可以将新的功能引入纤维素材料，并为其工业应用申请了专利。CelluComp从蔬菜植物废弃物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。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增强(干湿状态)和阻隔性能。这些添加剂可以包括PER/多氟物质(全氟化合物或永久化学品)、聚酰亚胺、环氧氯丙烷等。其中一些化学品正在许多国家受到立法限制。此外，该项目开发的材料/工艺将使3D模塑纸质包装能够以更高质量的表面光洁度模压。高质量的表面光洁度对于水基阻隔涂料的应用至关重要，它不会阻碍纸基包装的可回收/可再生性和生物降解性，但仍能提供食品接触包装所需的高水平的水/油和耐氧性。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。开发这种以植物酶为基础的方法来生产可持续包装并取代全氟辛烷磺酸和油基化学品的机会具有相当大的经济和社会影响潜力。

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.