VegBrik

Project leader CelluComp, a Scottish-based material science company producing microfibrilated cellulose (MFC) from waste streams of root vegetables, will team up with its partners and customers to design the next level of sustainable food packaging. There is a global issue with the use of plastics in packaging, often ending up in landfill and littering the environment, causing problems for natural ecosystems, thereby increasing the potential environmental impacts. Paper-based products could possibly address this, as paper is biodegradable and recyclable, but there are issues with barrier performance. Multi-layered paper-based solutions can use 3-7 layers consisting of plastic, cardboard and foil, making recycling or composting of this packaging extremely difficult. CelluComp proposes to replace plastic and metal foil layers, by utilising films of its MFC product called Curran. This will reduce the issues of recycling and enable re-pulping and re-use in paper products. CelluComp's extensive knowledge in coatings, composites and paper applications makes it well-suited to find ways to achieve its objectives. It has already shown how Curran can add strength to paper and close its porosity. It has demonstrated Curran's ability to improve barrier properties of coatings on paper and it knows Curran can form a natural barrier film. Putting these elements together is the next logical step. The Project will support the government's Clean Growth Strategy by focusing on enhancing the benefits and value of the UK's natural resources. By using sugar beet pulp as a feedstock and turning this co-product stream into a high-valued product using low energy and non-toxic chemicals, CelluComp will make efficient use of agri-products, get rid of avoidable waste and maximise the value of resources. Plastic and/or foil reduction in packaging means a reduction of incineration of non-recyclable packaging, thereby reducing carbon emissions.