February 2025
Published: 11 Feb 2025
Author: Precedence Research
The collaboration between Pulpex Ltd. and the University of Surrey sets out to develop efficient paper-based processed packaging materials under the SustaPack research initiative. The program has been awarded a £1 million grant by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to build next-generation sustainable packaging. Pulpex uses patented technology to create biodegradable bottles from natural wood fibers that can be recycled with conventional paper waste streams.
The SustaPack project focus will center production technology and materials, product quality improvement, performance optimization, and reduced manufacturing defects. Pulpex has also committed to supplying further support demonstrating its support for sustainability.
SustaPack sets out to further the engineering of paper-based packaging with advancements in barrier-coating technologies, elaborating production processes, and experimentation with greener raw materials. Improvement in the high-barrier multi-layer coating of the Pulpex pack will be the main focus of the research. This barrier layer checks the permeation of oxygen and liquid leakages. New coating applications that require less usage of water and energy will also be developed and help extend the shelf life of packaged goods. Besides, the project will focus on the development of new advanced manufacturing techniques for less material waste, higher efficiency, and lower costs.
The research will include exploring alternative natural fibers and biodegradable coatings to improve recyclability. According to Scott Winston, CEO of Pulpex, the joint venture is critical as it will take further steps as far as safe, sustainable packaging is concerned to assist brand owners in achieving their Net-Zero targets and allowing supply chains and retailers to realize their goals in carbon footprint reductions. This is anticipated to create huge breakthroughs in the industry of the packaging business to compel many other companies to align with it.
It is the University of Surrey, which will engage in facilitating a better prototype in sustainable packaging. There will be advanced cutting-edge research into materials science and soft matter physics resulting from the collaboration between Pulpex and the University of Surrey. Professor Joseph Keddie is a Royal Society Industry Fellow at the University of Surrey. His work has just begun in developing this collaboration with the two companies. The partnership would enable researchers and students to work directly with the industry on sustainable materials science and packaging technology.
The results of this project will input research toward the development of eco-friendly packaging that supports the principles of the circular economy. Additionally, with the ever-increasing regulatory pressure to reduce plastic waste around the world, companies are searching for viable alternatives for maximizing product integrity while minimizing their impact on the environment. The SustaPack project promises to open a route for scalable, commercially viable paper-based packaging that fits this requirement.
February 2025
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