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Sustainable packaging material made from tree bark

Date:Mar 29, 2024

Country: Switzerland

Plant Name:

    Trees

Residue Name:

    Bark

Application

  • Production of sustainable packaging material made from tree bark, providing a biodegradable alternative to plastic packaging and also packaging made from bark decomposes into compost and adds valuable nutrients into the ground, a press release said.

Description

A team of researchers has developed a sustainable packaging material made from tree bark, providing a biodegradable alternative to plastic packaging. The innovative material is created by combining bark fibers with a biodegradable binder, resulting in a durable and flexible sheet that can be molded into various shapes. This eco-friendly packaging solution has the potential to replace plastic packaging materials, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Pathway Description:

The process used in Bpacks' project for converting tree bark into packaging material is called **compounding**. It begins with processing bark waste from the wood production industry into a composite material. This material is then converted into pellets or sheets, which can be further shaped into solid packaging using conventional techniques like injection molding or thermoforming. The approach mirrors traditional plastic production methods, enabling seamless adoption with existing plastic manufacturing equipment.

Source: Know More...

Tags: Bio-Based PackagingSustainable packaging from barkBark to plastics

Feedstock

Types of Feedstock

Forest residue

Name

Trree bark

Form

Solid biomass

Commercials

Abundant and low-cost byproduct of timber and wood industries

Logistics

Sourced from sawmills and wood processing units; requires minimal processing for transportation

Pathways

Mechanical

Compounding

Stakeholders

Research/ Innovators

Empa