Objetivo
Cereal waste biomass is a potential source of valuable compounds such as bio-based fibres that can be used in new potential applications. This is the case of the microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) which is a novel type of cellulose with nano-scale dimensions and very interesting properties for the development of composite materials due to its high strength and stiffness combined with its low weight, biodegradability and renewability.
One of the main objectives of the FUNKIFIBRE project is to obtain MFC from cereal residues coming out from the manufacturing of oat-based food products which contain important cellulose contents. Another main objective of the project is to modify the MFC to make it suitable for the development of plastic composites. The final goal is to obtain new materials for packaging applications achieving better mechanical and barrier properties. This will make possible the generation of lighter packages and the improvement of limited properties of some bio-based and biodegradable plastics.
FUNKIFIBRE will work on the optimization of the technological processes needed to transform the current cereal waste into a valuable product. The achievement of this result will impact in the cereal SMEs since agricultural wastes have become an environmental and economic problem producing economic losses due to extra costs for the management. In addition, the development of improved renewable and biodegradable packages will impact on the plastic and packaging SMEs since bio-based materials are seen as a growing alternative by the European consumers to conventional packaging plastics which currently generate over 5 million tons of landfilled plastics.
FUNKIFIBRE involves a consortium of companies and research organizations with combines commercial and technical expertise, a broad coverage of European countries and markets and a holistic vision all along the value chain. This will allow us to reach technical and marketing objectives in the speed to market required by industry.
Ámbito científico
Tema(s)
Convocatoria de propuestas
FP7-SME-2013
Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria
Régimen de financiación
BSG-SME - Research for SMEsCoordinador
38210 Sastamala
Finlandia