Periodic Reporting for period 1 - YANGI (Key enabling manufacturing technology for low-cost and sustainable production of fibre-based rigid packaging at scale)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2021-04-01 al 2022-03-31
Yangi offers a sustainable solution to replace plastics, efficient use of resources. Raw materials are today based on fully renewable cellulose pulp sourced from sustainable forests. The technology results in significantly reduced energy consumption – more than 75 % compared to plastics and existing alternatives for formed fibers (wet moulding). In the technology no process water is needed, meaning that the technology will be highly relevant for areas with water scarcity and a more feasible drop in solution for plastic converters that want to move into fiber based packaging. Compared to plastics, using cellulose fibers as raw material is future-proof; Fibers already have 65 % lower emissions than plastics; Fibers have higher potential in reduced life cycle emissions according to industry road maps; Fiber raw materials are estimated to have lower cost increase for zero-CO2 production compared to other raw materials; High material recirculation rates already today >70 % compared to < 15 % for plastics.
Plastic pollution has a significant economic impact on the EU blue economy and people’s health. The EU Commission estimates that implementing circular economy would provide savings of €600 billion for EU businesses (8% of their annual turnover). Yangi contributes directly on reducing the detrimental economic and environmental impact of plastic pollution while improving people’s wellbeing. The simple substitution of plastic with Yangi’s eco-friendly, fibre-based material would prevent the harmful littering of the oceans. A circular production models like Yangi’s would also limit the economic loss associated to packaging plastics (95% of lost value due to short use-cycles). Yangi is addressing several important aspects for society; moving away from fossil based raw materials, resource efficient production (energy and water) as well as targeting carbon neutral production.
The EIC accelerator project will setup a demonstration plant to run customer pilots in 4 packaging applications and show their results to additional stakeholders. We will establish a scalable manufacturing and distribution partnership with a global machine supplier and secure IP for market release and scale up. With 77 machines in operation by 2030, our technology is expected to save more than 190 000 tons of plastic waste, 11 Bn litres of fresh water and 260 000 tons of CO2. The overall objective is to reshape the world of packaging and become the leading packaging solutions provider within cellulose dry forming for the manufacturer of packaging.
• Detailed design of demonstration plant and started assembly at supplier
• Piloting with customers in existing lab environment to develop customer portfolio and mutual qualification
• Road map and business strategy for industrialisation and scaling, including recruitment plan
• Impact forecast assessment of the technology applied at ready meals food tray
• Prepared Yangi for external equity and onboarding of anchor investor
• Launch of new website and brand platform
• Strengthened IP – We have formalized an IP team that continuously are following IP and acts on IP related topics
In the long run, by enabling the replacement of harmful plastic packaging with renewable, fibre-based material, and significantly reducing the water and energy used in the process for producing it, Yangi is strongly nurturing the EU ambition for a circular economy and the goal of climate neutrality by 2050.