Bio-based packaging films could revolutionize global markets – LUT and VTT are developing a new solution from cellulose

Created 23.8.2023

Updated 24.1.2024

LUT University and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland are developing new environmentally friendly packaging solutions with 34 industrial partners. In the Films for Future (F3) research project, a cellulose-based alternative will replace the plastic films of cardboard packages. The program is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

”New cellulose films can partly outdo the traditional plastic films made from fossil raw materials. This way, we’re helping renewable and sustainable packaging materials become globally more common,” says Ville Leminen, associate professor of mechanical engineering at LUT University.

Packages with bio-based and bio-degradable films will make recycling easier, because they can be put straight into the cardboard recycling pile. Recyclability will also minimize the amount of waste and tackle littering.

”If a wrong kind of package ends up in a cardboard recycling pile, the machine starts to malfunction and all the material goes to waste. The bio-based film fits in the existing recycling systems, which will also improve the system’s fault resilience,” tells Research Professor Ali Harlin of VTT.

The new film material will also meet the demands of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, which deals with the shift to a circular economy and improving the quality of the environment.

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Six criteria for sustainable packages

Protects the food, decreases the amount of waste
Minimizes environmental harm
Is efficiently recyclable
Ensures safety and quality
Supports the business of food system operators
Fits consumers’ everyday life and choices

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Packaging technology at LUT University

LUT is an expert in packaging manufacturing processes and material development. The specialty of the Packaging Technology research group is the use of fiber and biomaterials in packaging, heat sealing, and packaging processes.
LUT also participates in the Package-Heroes project, which aims to prevent food waste.

New business opportunities for Finnish companies

In the F3 project, VTT researches and develops the properties of the cellulose film. LUT University, in turn, verifies packaging performance, tailors the converting process, equipment, and tooling, and examines the value chain of the new product.

“The goal is to optimize the film properties and functionality to enable novel high value applications. Food protection is naturally the top priority, but we also develop large scale production processes in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Ultimately, we need to understand the market and consumers of these films,” explains Vinay Kumar, VTT’s research team leader.

In addition to LUT and VTT, 34 notable companies representing the whole packaging value chain are participating in the research project. The companies will be able to utilize the discoveries from the research in their products and business.

”We have a wide network of both Finnish and international companies, which is a sign of trust in our abilities to develop new ecological material and packaging solutions,” says Head of Development Mika Kainusalmi from LUT University.

According to Kainusalmi, the research project strengthens LUT’s packaging technology research and education. It also adds to the scientific knowledge and understanding of packaging materials and converting processes.