Development of sustainable flexible packaging solutions using novel biodegradable and compostable polymer blends

Abstract

Plastic packaging has changed positively the way food products are delivered, reducing poverty and hunger due to the better protection of the goods, allowing their preservation for longer times throughout their supply chain. However, waste management represents a significant challenge. In Ireland, 26% of the packaging waste generated correspond to plastic packaging, and its recovery rate is very low (31 %) compared to the traditional materials (paper, glass, wood, and metal) (Figure 1) [1] FINAL CONSIDERATIONS ORCID iD [5-7] Table 1: Expected properties of the flexible film [1] WVTR: Water vapour transmission rate OTR: Oxygen transmission rate MD: Machine direction TD: Transverse direction Target properties to achieve with the formulation of novel biodegradable blends Figure 1: Packaging waste generated Figure 2: Flexible packaging properties Figure 3: Project workflow Figure 4: Methodology workflow To overcome the old linear consumption perspective (single-use: make- take – dispose) and reduce environmental impact, the use of alternatives routes to improve the flexible packaging waste management through the design of a biodegreadable film is explored. This project aims to develop a more sustainable packaging through the use of biodegradable and compostable polymer blends, with good mechanical and barriers properties (Table 1). The workflow of the overall project and methodology is presented in Figure 3 and Figure 4, respectively. Biodegradability (marine and soil conditions) and composability tests will be done with the samples, and its mechanical properties and degradation rate will be evaluated through mechanical tests, thermal and analytical tests (Figure 4). This publication has emanated from research conducted with the financial support of Athlone Institute of Technology under the Presidents Doctoral Scholarship fund and Enterprise Ireland funding under the Technology Gateway program, grant number TG-2017-0114. Among the different types of plastic packaging, high-performance flexible packaging contributes to reducing climate actions, as it offers excellent versatility on its design, it is adjustable, contains less material per weight of product contained, and it is lightweight [2] (Figure 2), requiring less energy for transportation and reducing gas emissions.