Innovative packaging materials
In today's fast-paced society, the demand for fresh, high-quality food with a high level of convenience and minimal use of additives and preservatives is increasing.
Packaging plays a crucial role, as it not only manages the increasing complexity of the value chain, but also helps to ensure food safety and quality, minimises losses and reduces food additives. This background enables us to work with the packaging industry to develop innovative materials that meet the new requirements of the food industry and consumers. Our collaboration also extends to food producers to research the impact of these packaging materials on different foods. Active and intelligent packaging plays a central role here.
In contrast to traditional packaging materials, active packaging can take on an additional active role alongside the passive barrier function in order to better preserve the quality of the food. Intelligent or smart packaging materials make it possible to monitor the current quality status of a food product and can communicate this to the outside world.
Barrier for cardboard applications
We develop grease, water vapour and gas barriers for use on cardboard-based food packaging.
Calcium carbonate based active packaging
The aim of this project is to develop antimicrobial and oxygen scavenging materials for food packaging applications. Both antimicrobial and oxygen scavenging functions will be developed using ground or modified calcium carbonate which has a very high potential to incorporate active ingredients into packaging and to control the release of such active components.
Active Labels
The aim of this project is to develop active labels that are applied to the packaging to remove residual oxygen after packaging in a modified atmosphere. The label is being developed for oxygen-sensitive foods to preserve their quality, ensure their safety and extend their shelf life. The active label for oxygen degradation is based on palladium catalysis. The coating process of palladium on a carrier film is optimised to increase the oxygen binding activity. A complete label containing the palladium-coated film is developed for different types of food and beverages.