Feasibility of developing mouldable polymers that are bio-based and biodegradable

Inleiding

The goal of this project is to study the feasibility of developing mouldable cellulose-based polymers for application in biodegradable food packaging.

Aanvrager en Innovatie

The applicant, start-up and small SME Sustanix Materialtech B.V., is developing modified cellulose from agricultural waste as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics in food packaging with sufficient barrier properties against wetting and leaking.

Huidige Uitdagingen

There is no economically feasible technology that can achieve the required strength for this application, without using fossil resources, to date.

Onderzoeksfocus

In this project, the applicant studies the rheology of different compositions of the modified cellulose blend to achieve a proof-of-concept for injection moulding of the polymer into bioplastic products.

Toekomstige Stappen

When this feasibility study is successful, Sustanix will scale up production and enter the European market of service food single-use plastics.

Duurzaamheid en Impact

The project is in line with KIA 1, Energy and Sustainability, because the products offer a sustainable alternative to packaging from virgin fossil resources.

Bijdrage aan Grondstoffenovergang

Hence, Sustanix contributes to the raw materials transition by implementing renewable feedstock to create high-quality products with a low carbon footprint. The biobased production route reduces CO2 emissions, waste, and microplastics.