A new project, coordinated by the Spanish AITIIP technology centre, will try to launch new smart and multifunctional packaging across Europe by 2016.
One of the main focuses of the Dibbiopack project is improving biodegradable packaging.
“Currently, biodegradable packaging, compostable and from renewable sources are not fully competitive: they are expensive and their features are far from resembling the plastics which are derived from petroleum,” a spokesperson told European Plastics News. “They are applied only to a very small range of products and targeted to a specific niche market.”
During the first year, the project partners will test different PLA blends in various manufacturing processes, including injection and blow moulding. One aim is to reduce manufacturing costs with new technologies, for example using supercritical fluids in injection moulding.
Finally, the project is looking at developing intelligent technologies or smart devices to provide more information about the products through the packaging chain.
By 2016, the products will be in use “at least” throughout Europe, says AITIIP.
The Dibbiopack project is supported European Commission through the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. Partners include GTI, Innovia, Vito, Sogama, Avanzare and Nutreco.