Industry leaders and RISE join forces to revolutionize sustainable packaging

11 December 2023, 07:48

VINNOVA, the Swedish Innovation Agency, granted 3.9 million SEK funding to the ProMultiFilms project—an ambitious and pioneering initiative that aims to revolutionize high-performing, fiber-based packaging. This exciting endeavor brings together distinguished industry leaders such as Stora Enso, Bioextrax, Hoting Innovations, and the Swedish state-owned research institute, RISE. Together, this formidable research and development consortium is deeply committed to addressing key challenges and driving the advancement of biobased barrier films for sustainable packaging and reducing the need for plastic-based packaging materials.

Aligned with the European strategy of phasing out single-use plastics by 2030, the main objective of the ProMultiFilms project is to develop high-performance, biobased multi-layer barrier films for fiber-based packaging. By leveraging the combined expertise and resources of the industry leaders and RISE, the project aims to generate groundbreaking knowledge and overcome technical hurdles in the production and processing of biobased barrier films. Advanced biobased barrier films will revolutionize fiber-based packaging use, for example within food industry where solid barrier properties are critical.

The collaborative efforts of the ProMultiFilms project will specifically address four key challenges within the value chain: identifying and modifying biobased raw materials, integrating innovative processes for producing multi-layered biobased high barrier films, application, and verification of films onto fiber-based packaging, and ensuring the utmost recyclability and compostability of the packaging. The ProMultiFilms project is a golden opportunity for the industry to spearhead the development of biobased barrier film and multilayer alternatives that can rival plastics in terms of both cost-effectiveness and performance. Through comprehensive assessments of technical, economic, and environmental feasibility, the project is set to develop highly innovative solutions that will allow replacement of difficult-to-recycle and unsustainable packaging materials and accelerate the transition towards a circular bioeconomy.

About RISE

At RISE, our mission is to strive for sustainable growth in Sweden by strengthening the competitiveness and capacity for renewal of Swedish industry, while promoting innovative development across society. In collaboration with academia, industry, and the public sector, RISE conducts high-quality research, fosters collaboration, supports innovative development in small and medium-sized companies, and provides industry-relevant testbeds. With a commitment to international competitiveness and sustainable growth, RISE aims to work together with our customers and partners to develop competitive solutions that drive sustainable development and achieve tangible results. RISE's ambition to make a difference is fueled by the common goal of creating a better world for future generations.

About Stora Enso

Part of the global bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials and wooden construction, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. Stora Enso contributes to the transformation towards a biobased circular economy in three areas where we have the biggest impact and opportunities: climate change, biodiversity, and circularity. Stora Enso Formed Fiber business focuses on molded wood fiber solutions that can replace single-use plastics.

About Bioextrax

Bioextrax AB, based in Sweden, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of production processes for bioplastics, more specifically PHAs. By producing biodegradable polymers from renewable raw materials through innovative biotechnology processes, Bioextrax produces high-quality bioplastics. With a commitment to the circular economy, the company offers eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, reducing waste and carbon emissions. Bioextrax is at the forefront of the bioplastics industry, providing scalable and sustainable solutions for a greener future.

About Hoting Innovations

Hoting Innovations is a technology company that specializes in fiber forming machines for production of engineered cellulose packaging, an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging. Our cutting-edge SinterCell technology is globally recognized. We operate a production and demonstration facility in Hoting, Jämtland, and a manufacturing and R&D facility in Vingåker.

For further information, please contact:

RISE

Göksu Cinar Ciftci, Ph.D.

Senior Researcher – Project Manager, Division Bioeconomy and Health

Department Material and Surface Design, Unit Binders and Additives

goksu.cinar.ciftci@ri.se

Stora Enso AB

Salman Hassanzadeh, Ph.D.

Project Manager, Technology development

Formed Fiber, Stora Enso AB

salman.hassanzadeh@storaenso.com

Bioextrax AB