Project R-15807

Development of Biobased Smart Packaging using Melt Processing, Ultrasonic Spray Coating and 3D Printing Technologies (Research)

Both industry and academia are under pressure to develop increasingly sustainable packaging solutions that are both functional and circular by design. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers are bacterially produced from renewable resources, are compostable and readily biodegradable in various environments without leaving microplastics. However, adding active or intelligent functionalities to these bioplastics becomes essential for creating modern packaging that can extend food shelf-life or inform consumers about food quality and freshness, respectively. Ideal additives must withstand PHA processing temperatures, maintain PHA biodegradability and fit in circularity. Therefore, the main objective is to develop fully biobased and biodegradable packaging materials composed of PHA biopolymer that are modified with biobased additives, which confer UV resistance, antimicrobial and improved thermal, mechanical and/or gas barrier properties. This research specifically aims to investigate, optimize and compare three innovative processing techniques to incorporate selected biobased additives in the bulk versus at the surface of the biopolymer via: melt processing; ultrasonic spray coating and 3D printing. Based on a thorough mechanical and chemical evaluation, the best suitable applications for different packaging designs will be defined. In addition, the materials will be subjected to specific end-of-life scenarios to validate their potential as reusable and/or recyclable packaging.

01 May 2025 - 30 April 2029