The objective of this project is to develop a biobased and biodegradable alternative to EPS packaging material for heavy products, with a low carbon footprint. The project involves collaboration between future users of packaging (appliance manufacturer Vaventis) and technology partners (biobased packaging company PaperFoam, machine manufacturer Thermoware, tool specialist Jadima, and recipe specialist Innograaf). PaperFoam is the lead partner. In addition to cardboard outer boxes, EPS-based fillers and corner pieces are widely used for packaging heavy products such as heating and ventilation appliances, furniture, and white and brown goods. However, there is a growing demand in the market for more environmentally friendly alternatives. On the one hand, because legal restrictions are being imposed and, on the other hand, because consumers and commercial buyers of appliances no longer want to receive plastic or multi-material products. In the installation sector, contractors are increasingly demanding clean workplaces. The installation of white goods or ventilation and heating appliances that generate only one waste stream that can be recycled as paper, instead of several waste streams (cardboard outer packaging and EPS corner and filler pieces), is therefore greatly preferred. In the project, PaperFoam and its partners aim to develop a new extrusion-based process technology that will enable them to produce packaging material for products weighing more than 5 kg that is paper recyclable and compostable, and has a low carbon footprint. The research project focuses on the application of starch foam extrusion, whereby the material to be developed must have properties similar to those currently available with EPS in terms of density, resilience, tensile and flexural strength, and resistance to dust and scratches.

The EFRO 2021-2027 East Netherlands program strengthens innovation in the region and thus the earning capacity of businesses in the eastern Netherlands. It also contributes to solutions in the energy transition. This program is made possible in part by the European Union.

Duration

05/2024 – 05/2027

Total budget

€ 1,167,076.85

EU subsidy

€ 583,538.42