Objective
The use of bio-based materials is a promising alternative in the packaging industry to reduce the disposal and the use of non-renewable resources. A 5% substitution of these materials using Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) applications would reduce over 300.000 tons of non renewable plastic packaging wastes disposal. Packaging used in MAP is usually based on multilayer plastic materials that are usually disposed as waste, approximately 300.000 Ton. ADCELLPACK consortium has identified that materials based in cellulose can be an outstanding alternative to substitute materials currently used in MAP.
Changing consumer habits and motivations have benefited cheese consumption, and sliced cheese is an increasing market (>300kton/year), producing a huge quantity of packaging wastes. That is the reason for the selection of cheese as the fresh food product of ADCELLPACK.
ADCELLPACK new solution will provide a readily thermoformable tray mainly composed of cellulose (up to 90% in weight), with improved properties using modified pulp fine fraction. However, it is needed a barrier layer in a porous, hygroscopic medium such as paper. To overcome this limitation, a blend based in polylactic acid (PLA) will be used. PLA lacks of the barrier to oxygen and water needed for modified atmosphere packaging. Therefore, to decrease costs and increase properties, blends with Polyglycolic acid will be considered to produce a coating and a lid for the tray. A whole sustainable solution that will maintain the freshness of the product and assure its food contact safety, will be developed by ADCELLPACK consortium, reaching a shelf life of 4 weeks.
Fields of science
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
FP7-SME-2012
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
BSG-SME - Research for SMEsCoordinator
46980 Paterna
Spain