The European Union (EU) has set circular economy targets for industrial packaging and the level of ambition will increase further with the proposed PPWR (PPWR= Proposal for a revision of EU legislation on Packaging and Packaging Waste). The transition to a circular economy requires both more efficient recycling of raw materials used in packaging and the proliferation of take-back and re-use concepts. This, in turn, requires both more resource-efficient recycling processes for packaging materials and the involvement of consumers in the development of new concepts. Currently, the use of recycled fibre is hampered by microplastics ending up in the process for various reasons, which means the need to develop microplastic-free processes and, on the other hand, replacing plastic-based barriers with bio- and wood-based materials.
SUSTAINABLE FIBER PACKAGING SOLUTIONS
The aim of the project is to address these challenges through the following development measures:
1) development of solutions for the take-back and reuse of fibre packaging, while highlighting the role of the consumer as a key player in the industrial packaging value chain;
2) improvement of resource efficiency of fibre packaging manufacturing processes and testing of new barrier materials;
3) development and validation of a microplastic-free recycling process;
4) development of a knowledge and innovation ecosystem. The method of operation of the project is co-development together with operators in the industrial packaging value chain and other key stakeholders.
The pilots and demonstrations carried out in the project will be used to produce scalable results from both packaging take-back and reuse concepts and manufacturing processes utilising recycled fibre. During the project, a knowledge and innovation ecosystem will be built to make use of companies’ product development and to continue cooperation and help in internationalisation.
BioPak – Sustainable packaging solutions of the bio-circular economy is a joint project by South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Tampere University of Applied Sciences and University of Oulu. Project is co-funded by the European Union and the funding was granted by The Häme Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. Xamk budget is 385 011 euros and the amount of EU grant is 308 008 euros.