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.
Research into the nanostructure of fibre materials is ForMAX's first industrial research and development project, a new research centre dedicated to analysing forest materials. The research centre is part of the MAX IV laboratory in Lund, Sweden.
In view of the growing global demand for safe, nutritious food and the increasing scarcity of raw materials, the development of more sustainable packaging solutions is a global concern. Paper-based materials have the potential to open up new perspectives. However, they must be food-safe and recyclable, withstand liquids and high humidity and at the same time be sustainable.
Eva Gustavsson, Vice President Materials & Package at Tetra Pak, says: „A fundamental understanding of the structure and properties of materials is crucial for the development of future-orientated packaging. Our goal is to develop the most sustainable food packaging in the world - and the research at ForMAX will support us in this endeavour. The packaging of the future must be fully recyclable and have a low environmental impact. The use of renewable raw materials and the increased use of fibre-based materials in packaging will be of crucial importance here. This research also contributes to gaining new insights into the use of plant-based materials.“
Kim Nygård, head of the MAX VI research station ForMAX: „The planned research project is a milestone for science and business. The research facility is the first of its kind and will make a significant contribution to the use of new, sustainable materials in the future. We are proud to support Tetra Pak in the development of sustainable packaging materials.“
Source: Tetra Pak
