NEWGENPAK

New Generation of Functional Cellulose Fibre Based Packaging Materials for Sustainability

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The NEWGENPAK ITN is an interdisciplinary research training network of 8 European universities, 3 research institutes and 6 enterprises, three of which are Full partners. Its primary aim is to create a European training network designed to improve the career prospects of its 10 ESRs and 2 ERs in both the public and private sector. The network will deliver a joint multidisciplinary research training programme which will encourage and foster the growth of the researchers’ skills in scientific expertise, technological knowledge and professional aptitude. The key vehicle in this strategy is a supervised personal, original research project in a critical aspect of sustainable packaging. The network has been designed to achieve the following objectives (i) to conduct top-level research and training and devise innovative solutions for specific EU needs in the area of sustainable packaging, (ii) to advance the state-of-the-art in wood cellulose based sustainable packaging in three specific areas (a) next generation packaging composites, (b) cellulose-fibre based active packaging and (c) environmental, economic and societal aspects of packaging production, (iii) to educate the next generation of researchers inside a broad European research training network which includes universities, research centres and industry, thereby accelerating the researchers’ advancement to team leader status, (iv) to improve the career prospects of ERs and ESRs through complementary training such as; writing and presentation skills; language, effective communication and collaboration; project management and finance; project/product cycles; entrepreneurship; IPR, (v) to create an integrated, long-term sustainable packaging research and training base in the EU by bringing together universities, research institutes and industrial players active in key research disciplines.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Recycling and garbage bins are loaded with fossil fuel-based packaging materials left over after the foods they contained are consumed. Improved 100 % biodegradable wood-based alternatives are just around the corner to minimise environmental impact.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Researchers have turned to cellulose-based biopolymers as a promising 100 % biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based packaging materials. Seventeen partners are supporting 13 researchers in their investigations within the EU-funded project 'New generation of functional cellulose fibre based packaging materials for sustainability' (http://www.newgenpak.eu/ (NEWGENPAK)).

Addition of nanocellulose can significantly offset some of the weaknesses of other biopolymers in mechanical strength and barrier properties. It can be functionalised for anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activity and even yield intelligent or active packaging solutions.

The first pillar is improving barrier properties of coatings and films. Modelling techniques are being used to understand and predict the relationship between structure and function. The team produced a mineral oil barrier with effectiveness up to 98 % in the lab. Scientists also produced a multi-barrier system with dry oxygen permeability similar to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the most common type of polyester.

A second line of research is focused on developing cellulose fibre-based active packaging. The team has already had promising enhancements in anti-microbial activity. An SME, that is a full partner in the project, has assessed a number of commercial thermochromic inks for printability on both benchmark and modified substrates. They will used in studies on intelligent packaging, for fruits and vegetables, that changes colour with temperature.

Finally, scientists want to ensure that the processing is as sustainable as the product. They have developed 10 criteria to evaluate the environmental, economic and social impact of manufacturing processes. A comparison life cycle assessment of conventional versus active packaging shows that the overall impacts are comparable. The environmental impact due to incorporation of active agents can be offset by their contribution to increased shelf life.

NEWGENPAK is focused on the development of barrier and active technologies to enhance the performance and thus the use of carbon dioxide-neutral, cellulose-based packaging materials. Given the volume of packaging material used annually and the global demand for sustainable materials and processes, EU manufacturers' competitiveness will be boosted.