{"id":5238,"date":"2025-02-07T06:39:41","date_gmt":"2025-02-07T11:39:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=5238"},"modified":"2025-02-07T06:39:41","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T11:39:41","slug":"uks-sustainable-packaging-project-secures-epsrc-grant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=5238","title":{"rendered":"UK\u2019s sustainable packaging project secures EPSRC grant"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The project will focus on refining Pulpex\u2019s patented technology. Credit: University of Surrey. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

SustaPack, a multimillion-pound research initiative, has received a \u00a31m ($1.2m) grant from the UK\u2019s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to enhance the production of sustainable, paper-based packaging.<\/p>\n

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Pulpex, a packaging technology company, has partnered with the University of Surrey to advance its manufacturing processes for creating environmentally friendly bottles from natural wood fibres.<\/p>\n

Pulpex CEO Scott Winston said: \u201cWe\u2019re excited to strengthen our existing collaboration with the University of Surrey to enhance our technologies and processes.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur SustaPack partnership will help us advance safe, sustainable packaging solutions, enabling brand owners to meet net-zero targets.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt gives consumers sustainable choices, delivers answers for brand owners and enables supply chains and retailers to deliver their carbon footprint reduction goals \u2013 a priority for all.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The collaboration is part of a broader effort to address the manufacturing challenges associated with next-generation sustainable packaging for liquids.<\/p>\n

The project, supported by the UK Research and Innovation co-investing programme, will focus on refining Pulpex\u2019s patented technology.<\/p>\n

This technology has already indicated degradable bottles that can be recycled within existing paper waste streams, offering an alternative to conventional plastic materials.<\/p>\n

A critical aspect of this research is to improve the multilayered barrier coating of the packaging.<\/p>\n

This coating is essential to prevent leaks and protect the quality of the contents by preventing oxygen permeation.<\/p>\n

The team aims to develop more energy- and water-efficient processes for applying these coatings, which could also extend the shelf life of packaged goods.<\/p>\n

The University of Surrey\u2019s multidisciplinary team will investigate the use of thermal imaging and AI to detect and immediately correct defects in wet coatings.<\/p>\n

This approach could lead to significant advancements in product quality by identifying and eliminating sources of imperfections.<\/p>\n

By leveraging AI-driven computer vision techniques, the project aspires to achieve a 100% reliability rate in the production of sustainable packaging.<\/p>\n

The potential outcomes of SustaPack could redefine industry standards for eco-friendly packaging, aiding brand owners in meeting stringent environmental regulations and offering consumers alternatives that combat plastic pollution.<\/p>\n

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