Innovationen



Project PHA4Pack

PHA biopolymers from CO2 for packaging materials using disposable medical products and special films as an example
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The packaging industry, like the medical technology sector, is dependent on new materials and raw material sources in order to reduce its enormous CO2 footprint and demand for fossil resources. The aim of the PHA4Pack project is therefore to develop a new bio-based and biodegradable packaging material based on biogenic CO2 emissions and CO2-neutrally produced H2 using disposable medical products and special packaging as model products.

In the frame of the project, the manufacturing process for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) is to be significantly improved and the polymers further developed for specific applications in order to obtain suitable material properties for the intended applications.

In particular, the microstructure has to be modified in order to extend the performance window and functionality and thus meet the demanding requirements of the packaging and medical device market. The applicability of the developed raw material in the five most important plastics processing technologies (injection molding, blown film, film extrusion, film thermoforming and profile extrusion) will be demonstrated using prototypes.

The aim is to roll out the formulations developed to other products. The packaging market is particularly interesting, as the EU will make compostability mandatory for some types of packaging, e.g. coffee capsules. As the requirements for purity and quality in medical technology are higher than for coffee capsules, it is important to develop new formulations.

The research project is accompanied by a detailed process evaluation. This includes a techno-economic analysis, a cost-effectiveness analysis, a life cycle assessment as well as the evaluation of compatibility with the 2015 Paris climate targets.

Support:


The project is supported by the BMBF funding measure "Innovation Spaces Bioeconomy" within the framework of the "National Research Strategy Bioeconomy 2030".

Office:

Provadis Hochschule

Provadis Hochschule is the university of the industry and offers dual and part-time science and business degree programs for more than 1,200 students throughout Germany.

DECHEMA e.V.

DECHEMA e.V. is the competent network for chemical engineering and biotechnology in Germany. As a non-profit professional society, it represents these fields in science, industry, politics and society.