New innovative REcyclable and BIo-COMpostable film for flexible packaging

Projektbeschreibung

Entwicklung biologisch kompostierbarer Kunststoffverpackungen

Die Entsorgung von Kunststoffabfällen stellt eine Herausforderung dar, die angegangen werden muss, da diese Abfälle unsere Umwelt stark belasten. Ein Teil der EU-Initiativen für eine Kreislaufwirtschaft verfolgt daher das Ziel, bis 2030 100 % wiederverwendbare und recycelbare Kunststoffverpackungen zu realisieren. Dies erfordert jedoch nicht nur die Verbesserung der Verarbeitungs- und Recyclingkapazitäten für Kunststoffe, sondern auch Innovationen bei nachhaltigen Kunststoffmaterialien. Ziel des EU-finanzierten Projekts RΕBICOM ist es nun, flexible Kunststofffolien für Verpackungen und Laminierungen zu entwickeln und herzustellen, die biologisch abbaubar und kompostierbar sind. Diese neuen Kunststofffolien bestehen aus Polymeren auf fossiler Rohstoffbasis, die aufgrund der enzymatischen Zersetzung vollständig biologisch kompostiert werden können. Sie bieten sichere Verpackungen für Lebensmittelprodukte und Bedarfsartikel und sind gleichzeitig wiederverwendbar und recycelbar.

Ziel

Plastics are an iconic example of the traditional, linear economic model, based on a 'take- make-consume-throw away' pattern, flexible bags, sachets, packaging, etc. made of plastic film are daily used by consumers in a single use in several sectors like post mail. The increasing environmental concern/preferences are driving the demand for biodegradable and compostable films, but existing solutions hardly can cover the business need. REBICOM® is a a new innovative reusable, recyclable and bio-compostable film not using agricultural production but biodegradable and compostable 100% aerobically plastic biodegrade in less than 180 days, becoming water, humus and CO2in an industrial, environmental and economic global competitiveness (Asia). Polymers from vegetal origin present technical difficulties to be transformed into films in high capacity plants with bi-oriented film lines production, which are the most industrially efficient. This industrial process requires that the polymers used have high resistance to the stretching and the temperature, which do not possess the vegetal origin films and that raises its price (50% higher) and higher density (i.e. PLA-1,24 gr/cm3 vs PP-0,90), which significantly reduces the performance of the film not economically viable for the industry and increasing by 38% the weight of plastic material used for the application. Conclusions from a deep market study indicates that this is our market opportunity. IFS team of 35 people (engineers, production, business developers…), has patented and demonstrated REBICOM® at one of the main customer manufacturers, with significant better properties than competing solutions (15% weight, 14% thickness and 5% production costs reduction), and better price (3,15€/Kg). REBICOM® has a total addressable market potential of €1.000M in flexible packaging segment, growing the company EBITDA from 10% to 29% in 5 years, creating 104 jobs and contributing to enhance 2030 EU targets.