Objectives:
To develop new transparent, multilayer, high-barrier, totally biodegradable and recyclable packaging for fresh food and different kinds of cheese that require modified atmosphere packaging.
Description:
At least two types of thermoplastic and biodegradable materials will be combined in the design of the new package, mainly polylactic acid (PLA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). The first has excellent mechanical properties and high transparency, and the latter has a high gas barrier and is also water-soluble, which means the package is recyclable and biodegradable. In order to increase the barrier effect against the water vapour of both materials, a biodegradable coating made of natural waxes from agricultural waste will be applied, covering the external layer of the multilayer package.
A new generation of biodegradable adhesives, which will also be developed during the project, will be used in the different layers of the package to extend the food shelf life, or at least to maintain the same shelf life as the packages manufactured with traditional materials. However, there is a difference between them: new packages will be manufactured with at least 75% of raw materials from renewable sources, and they will also be biodegradable.
Project partners:
2 research centres and 9 companies
