Materials and technologies – November 2024

Innovative packaging materials
WHOI scientists have developed a rapidly degrading cellulose diacetate (CDA) foam that could replace plastics like Styrofoam. After 36 weeks in ocean water, the CDA foams already lose 65-70% of their original mass. Foamed CDA products are already entering the market with Eastman launching a lightweight food tray made of foamed CDA. The study (5.18 MB) is published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.
The REDYSIGN Project, funded by CBE JU and coordinated by Tecnalia, has completed its first year, advancing meat packaging from lignocellulosic materials. Key achievements include innovations in fibre processing, spoilage detection, and identification markers for waste sorting.
A KAIST research team has developed a microbial strain capable of producing biodegradable polyester monomers. These monomers exhibit better biodegradability than PET monomers and could be used in polyester production for packaging applications. The findings (abstract) are published in Applied Biological Sciences.

Enhancing existing materials and packaging
In a press release (272 kB), Fraunhofer researchers show that online rheology can help quickly adjust antioxidant levels in polypropylene to prevent it from breaking down during processing. By measuring viscosity in real time, this approach makes it easier to fine-tune both new and recycled plastics.
ACS reports that researchers from Lucense have developed a paper-aluminium laminate to replace plastic-lined packaging in takeout containers. This material, combining paper and aluminium, could match the strength and durability of conventional plastic-aluminium laminates while enhancing recyclability. The study (9.60 MB) is published in ACS Omega.

Food packaging reusability
The Food Packaging Forum reports that scientists from the Technological University of the Shannon have reviewed food packaging materials’ suitability for reuse, emphasising key functions like containment, protection, and traceability. The study (4.67 MB), published in Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, calls for more research on reuse effects, especially for plastics.

Novel methods for plastic recycling
West Virginia University researchers are developing a microwave method to efficiently convert polypropylene waste into reusable propylene. Supported by a $1 million Department of Energy grant, this low-temperature, energy-saving technique aims to upcycle plastics, reduce landfill waste, and offer students hands-on experience with advanced recycling technologies.
Scientists from Texas A&M University are developing a new method to break down plastics like PET using green hydrogen and catalysts. The research focuses on using hydrogen stored in liquid organic carriers to convert PET into valuable compounds like p-xylene, which can be used as fuel or chemicals for, e.g., packaging materials. The study (4.05 MB) is published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition.
 

NVC members receive this information with all the relevant links in the monthly NVC Members-only Update. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411