Foamed materials for packaging and absorbents based on forestry by-products
Research Project, 2013
– 2017
Current commodity foamed materials (packaging materials, absorbents, medical products etc.) are made from fossil-based raw materials. Foamed materials consume a substantial amount of fossil-based resources and recycling is low. The present project will develop extruded foams based on the hemi-cellulose galactoglucomannan (GGM) and nano-cellulose thus replacing current fossil-based raw materials (Area I). GGM is a biopolymer which can be extracted from the by-products of thermo-mechanical pulp processing thus making better use of the forest biomass (Area II). GGM is available in large amounts at a potentially competitive price, but research is needed to improve material properties (by e.g. chemical modification) and develop foamed structures. Industrial participation ensures that the high commercial demands on functionality combined with low price are met, as well as giving ability for direct implementation in current processes. End users will ensure that functionality for packaging and medical applications are met. The participating academic experts in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Environmental Science will promote innovation and utilization as well as contribute to prioritizing activities towards improved sustainability (Area IV). The proposed research program will lead to a change from fossil-based to renewable foams for absorbent and packaging applications, a more competitive the forest industry, better use of the cellulose biomass as well as novel foam materials.
Participants
Anette Larsson (contact)
Pharmaceutical Technology
Collaborations
Akzo Nobel - Pulp and Performance Chemicals
Göteborg, Sweden
Akzo Nobel Functional Chemicals AB
Domsjö, Sweden
Battenfeld Sverige AB
Halmstad, Sweden
Fiber-X
Markaryd, Sweden
Lantmännen Food R&D
Malmö, Sweden
Lyckeby Research & Development
Kristianstad, Sweden
Mölnlycke healthcare
Gothenburg, Sweden
PackBridge
Malmö, Sweden
SIK – the Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology
Gothenburg, Sweden
Stora Enso Research Centre
Karlstad, Sweden
Tetra Pak
Lund, Sweden
University of Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden
Funding
Formas
Project ID: 213-2013-64
Funding Chalmers participation during 2013–2017
Related Areas of Advance and Infrastructure
Sustainable development
Driving Forces