A revolution in sustainable packaging solutions
While packaging plays a critical role in keeping our food and beverages fresh and safe, they also pose a serious threat to the environment. That’s because most of the packaging used by the food and beverage industry is made from fossil fuel-based plastic materials. Adding to the problem is the fact that much of this packaging is thrown away instead of recycled. As Europe looks to reduce plastic waste(opens in new window), new solutions for food and beverage packaging are needed. According to the EU-funded PRESERVE(opens in new window) project, that solution is bio-based packaging. “Our goal is to develop tailored approaches to enhance the recyclability of multilayer materials, explore biodegradability as an end-of-life option, and promote versatility through upcycled secondary applications,” says Aldo Reyes, project and innovation manager at IRIS Technology Solutions(opens in new window), the project’s coordinating partner.
Alternative packaging solutions for the food and beverage industry
Bringing together researchers, packaging producers, non-governmental organisations, and small and medium-sized businesses, the project has developed a range of innovative, bio-based packaging solutions. One of those solutions is a 100 % solid PHA coating formulation. Following some initial adjustments to improve performance, the new coating is now positioned as an alternative to the polyethylene-based coatings currently used in food and beverage packaging. Not only does the new bio-based coating improve water resistance, it reduces the sector’s use of fossil fuel-sourced plastics. The project also created a coating formulation that can improve – even prevent – microfibre shedding. The bio-based formula is designed to reduce the release of PET and other microplastics when a package is being washed. “Each of our solutions represents a new, viable and circular alternative for the food and beverage packaging industry,” notes Reyes. The solutions have all been tested and validated in line with the stringent regulations on food and beverage packaging.
Improving the recyclability of bio-based packaging
In addition to developing bio-based packaging solutions, the PRESERVE project looked at improving the recyclability of those packages. “To start, we benchmarked all of our newly developed bio-based materials to ensure that they could be easily recycled,” explains Reyes. Based on this benchmarking, researchers then developed tailored technologies that can be used to not only recycle the project’s packaging solutions, but upcycle them into new products. “Despite some very difficult challenges, we were able to achieve a new route for the upcycling of tailored plastics and materials that can be used to create bottles, trays and packages specifically for the food and beverage industry,” adds Reyes. Other key outcomes include solutions for avoiding the use of microplastics and methods for using enzyme-based biotechnologies to improve recycling. The project also developed new standards, certifications and policy recommendations on the use and recycling of plastic packaging derived from recycled and bio-based materials.
Shifting the needle towards bio-based packaging
Although the project is not yet finished, it has already succeeded at shifting the needle away from polluting plastics and towards the use of bio-based and recycled packaging. “While only a small first step, I am confident that our work represents the start of what will soon become a revolution in sustainable packaging solutions,” concludes Reyes. The project is currently exploring ways to further develop and commercialise its packaging and recycling solutions.
