Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP) are developing bio-based adhesives for folding cartons in the SUGRA project. These are intended to replace synthetic polymers and make packaging production more sustainable. Initial tests show promising results.
Folding cartons are considered environmentally friendly packaging as they are made from paper and cardboard, are recyclable and biodegradable. However, industrial production has so far been based on synthetic dispersion adhesives made from fossil raw materials. The SUGRA project aims to replace these with Bio-based alternatives to replace it.
The Fraunhofer IAP team, headed by Dr Jens Buller, is working on Starch-based adhesives, which are designed to fulfil the high requirements of industrial production. These include Fast setting times, high initial adhesion and precise application behaviour, to ensure a stable connection on high-speed machines at up to 600 metres per minute.
In collaboration with partners from industry and science, including the Baumer hhs GmbH and the Fraunhofer IST, modified starch products were developed and tested. The aim is to Food-compliant, stable and sustainable solution that remains reliable even at high humidity and temperatures. The bio-based adhesives have already been successfully tested on production machines. Another advantage of the new adhesives is their Good solubility, which facilitates recycling processes.
„Our results show that bio-based starch adhesives are suitable for replacing synthetic polymers in folding carton production. They can also significantly simplify recycling processes due to their good solubility. We are thus paving the way for holistically environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging“
Dr Jens Buller, Head of the Starch Modification / Molecular Properties department at the Fraunhofer IAP
Source: Fraunhofer IAP
