Partners Across the Packaging Value Chain Join Forces to Develop High-Performing Bio-Based Barrier Solutions for Fibre-Based Packaging
The PackSkin project involves partners from across the packaging value who are joining forces to develop a 100% bio-based solution with high barrier performance for 3D-shaped fiber-based packaging that has a lower climate impact, is recyclable, and follows circular design principles. The goal of the project is to accelerate the replacement of rigid plastic packaging, at scale.
As of today, fibre-based packaging has the potential to replace 40 percent of rigid plastic packaging and with the urgent need for more sustainable packaging solutions, a new infrastructure to support the development of fibre-based solutions must be established. A common issue for packaging solutions produced in fiber-based processes is the high porosity of the material resulting in low barrier properties and hence lack of protection, specifically when it comes to packaging applications with long shelf-life or exposure to extreme environments.
By engaging partners from across the whole packaging value chain including, Yangi, Organoclick AB, a fast-growing green chemical company, Holmen Iggesund, a premium paperboard company, Metsä Spring, an igniter of innovation in the field of wood-based circular bioeconomy, Emballator, a provider of packaging solutions for future generations, Wellspect, a global MedTech company, and Swedish Match, a global company that develops smoke-free products as well as support from Sweden’s largest technical university, KTH, the PackSkin project aims to accelerate the replacement of rigid plastic packaging by developing 100% bio-based solutions with a high barrier protection as well as efficient and smooth barrier application methods for 3D-shaped fibre-based packaging.
“We are honored to be a part of such a ground-breaking research and development project and to work alongside such reputable partners,” says Anna Altner, Founder, Yangi. “R&D projects like PackSkin are crucial to accelerating the introduction of 3D-shaped fibre-based packaging in the market, securing a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
The scope of the PackSkin project is two-fold:
To develop and identify how bio-based high-performance film-based barriers for fibre-based packaging should be designed and integrated industrially.
To develop and demonstrate sustainable packaging concepts for three complementary fibre-based technologies: dry-formed fibres, wet-formed fibres, and deep-drawn paperboard.
“Barriers are very important part in food packaging, and we are happy to be a part of this important project to bring bio-based and home compostable barrier products to the market” says Mårten Hellberg, CEO at OrganoClick. “Hopefully this development partnership will allow OrganoClick to further build on the journey replacing plastics and provide packaging products with a green inside.”
The PackSkin project is a BioInnovation initiative financed by Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas as well other participating stakeholders. The total budget for the project equates to 14,2 MSEK of which 5,6 MSEK is funded by BioInnovation and 8,5 MSEK through in-kind services by the participating partners. The project will run for 2.5 years, and the results are expected to be shared in April 2025.