720106GREENBOTTLE - Development of an innovative high speed paper moulding machineClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKWe have developed a recyclable, compostable packaging solution which provides an alternative to blown plastic and other current packaging methods. The ‘GreenBottle’ is manufactured from recycled waste paper & has a carbon footprint 50% of an equivalent plastic bottle and 10% of a glass bottle. Our initial proof of concept packaging line manufactured milk bottles for low volume product trials for some of the leading supermarkets, including Asda. Following successful trials & an excellent response from retailers and consumers we are being asked to supply our packaging in high volumes by major retailers. To achieve this we need to manufacture high quality, consistent & accurate moulded products at high speeds. The goal is to manufacture GreenBottle packaging at an equivalent or lower cost than current packaging solutions so that there is no cost barrier for retailers. Key to achieving this is to reduce material and energy costs compared to currently available moulding technology. We have carried out proof of concept trials for an innovative approach to the moulding of pulped paper products which show clear benefits over existing systems. The trials confirmed that a high speed moulding machine is feasible & should achieve the volumes required at a commercially attractive price. This project will focus on the development and manufacture of robust high speed, high quality moulding equipment for operation at production volumes. The main objectives for the project are: i) TECHNICAL – the development of a high speed moulded paper product machine, capable of producing high quality, low cost products; ii) ENVIRONMENTAL – a reduction in energy required for processing, a reduction in CO2 produced & consumption of petrochemically-derived polymers, a diversion of waste from landfill and a reduction in waste; iii) COMMERCIAL – to manufacture a green packaging alternative at an equivalent cost price to blown plastic bottles.