Transparent High-Barrier Cellulose Film for Recyclable and Compostable Packaging

The aim of this project is to scale up the production of high-barrier cellulose films for packaging. It follows on from a previous project supported by CRIBIQ, which enabled the research team to develop a cellulose barrier film on a laboratory scale.

The cellulose film offers excellent barriers to oxygen, water vapour and grease, while retaining the mechanical properties of cellulose. This material will replace petroleum-based multilayer packaging, which is currently not recycled nor biodegradable.

Cellulose is an abundant, economical and biobased material, allowing affordable and environmentally-friendly packaging solutions to be designed. Indeed, in response to growing consumer and government demand for greener packaging, food and packaging companies are actively seeking alternatives to single-use plastics. The solution developed for this project will be recyclable and compostable.

The film will be produced using technology and machinery available within Kruger's plants, which will enable faster technology transfer. To achieve this, multiple trials are planned over the next three years on Innofibre's pilot equipment.