R3PACK: Sustainable Cellulose-Based Food Packaging Initiative

Date:March 19, 2024

Country: Belgium France Sweden

Application

• This project focuses on replacing plastic packaging with cellulose-based materials for a variety of products, including food packaging and electronic packaging. The sustainable cellulose packaging is recyclable and can be used for takeaway containers, salad bowls, and blister packs.

Description

The R3PACK project aims to replace plastic packaging with sustainable, cellulose-based alternatives in food packaging. Starting in Belgium, France, and Luxembourg, the initiative will roll out eco-friendly packaging in select stores. The project also explores making packaging reusable while overcoming the challenges of plastic's durability. Ultimately, it supports Europe's push towards a circular economy and reduced plastic waste.

Pathway Description:

The process used in this project involves a dry forming technique where cellulose fibers are separated using air instead of water. The fibers are then formed into fluffy pads and laid on a formation line. Heat and pressure are applied to create rigid 3D packaging materials, which are energy-efficient, less water-intensive, and recyclable in existing paper-recycling systems.