EU project for the sustainable production of bioplastics
The EU project Bio-Plastics Europe is working on the sustainable production of bio-based and biodegradable plastics.
Read more " 
A team of Empa researchers has developed a disposable paper battery that can be activated by water. This could be used to power a wide range of small disposable electronic devices with low power consumption, such as intelligent labels for tracking objects.
The from Empa-The battery developed by researcher Gustav Nyström and his team consists of at least one electrochemical cell measuring around one square centimetre. Three different inks are printed on a rectangular strip of paper. Salt is spread throughout the paper strip and one of the two shorter ends of the strip is dipped in wax. An ink containing graphite flakes is printed on one side of the paper and acts as the positive pole of the battery - the cathode; a second ink containing zinc powder is printed on the reverse side and acts as the negative pole of the battery - the anode.
A third ink, containing graphite flakes and carbon black, is printed on both sides of the paper over the other two inks. This forms the current collectorswhich connect the two poles of the battery to two wires located at the end of the paper strip dipped in wax.
If a small amount of water is added, the salt contained in the paper dissolves, charged ions are released and the electrolyte becomes ionically conductive. This step activates the battery: So-called redox reactions (a reduction and an oxidation) generate an electric current that can be used to operate an electrical device.
The special thing about the new battery is that the fact that paper, zinc and the other components are biodegradable means that the battery can be used for a long time. Significantly minimise the environmental impact of disposable electronics with low power consumption leave.
Source: Empa
Science and research - More news
Tetra Pak launches research project
Together with the Swedish research centre MAX IV in Lund, the packaging manufacturer Tetra Pak is launching a project to research fibre materials. The aim is to gain insights into the nanostructure of packaging materials.
Read more " 
UpcyclePET project develops new material from PET bottles
The "UpcyclePET" research project has investigated how industrial plastic can be recovered from used PET bottles and developed a new material.
Read more " 
University of Hohenheim participates in EU research project MyPack
In the MyPack project, the participating researchers and companies are driving forward the market launch of innovative and sustainable packaging based on renewable raw materials. The University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart is also involved. Measured by the amount of funding, the project is one of the most important at the university.
Read more " 
Scientists want to seal big bags airtight
In a joint project, Münster University of Applied Sciences and the company EMPAC are looking for a method to better seal pharmaceutical containers.
Read more " 
Optimised closure technology for food cans
Are material savings still possible in the production of food cans? The latest research results show that the potential for a further reduction in thickness has probably not yet been exhausted.
Read more "