the FIBIOPACK
The FIBIOPACK project aims to develop new, biodegradable materials derived from common reed, used to produce packaging intended for direct contact with food, addressing the growing need for eco-friendly alternatives to fossil-based plastics in the food packaging industry.
The project will focus on maximising the functional properties of reed materials, including biodegradability, recyclability, and compostability, as well as performance in service, while ensuring high performance in food preservation, hygiene, and safety. The reed-based fibres will undergo comprehensive cradle-to-gate and cradle-to-grave lifecycle assessment to quantify environmental, social, and economic benefits. This project supports the EU’s transition toward a circular, resource-efficient, and climate-neutral economy by providing a sustainable, nature-inspired solution for food packaging materials.
Objectives and relevance to the Challenge
In the past decade, global plastic production has more than doubled, reaching 459.8 million tonnes in 2019, with projections to rise to 589.1 million tonnes by 2030 . A significant portion—around one-third—is used for packaging (141 million tonnes), with 40% of food in Europe packaged in plastic . Despite this, the recycling rate as of 2019 remains low at 9.3%, leading to substantial amounts of plastic waste being landfilled (49.2%) or mismanaged (22.4%) , negatively impacting ecosystems and human health. Public concern over packaging waste is shown in graph, with plastic wrappers having the highest impact. Furthermore, the production process itself generates 1.6 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases, underscoring plastics’ contribution to climate change.
Timber demands in Poland are increasing, whilst there is a projected growth of 3% in forest size by 2050, there are issues over both quality and demands. Where possible, other sources need to be found for e.g. packaging. One option is using common reed (Phragmites australis), which is known to grow by 4-15 T/ha. The use of such material offers a promising renewable alternative to conventional wood-based sources for producing molded cellulose fibres for packaging, given its rapid annual growth and clearance from lakes and rivers, where its extensive spread has already caused problems, particularly in Poland, restricting existing floral and faunal systems.
Objectives of the FIBIOPACK Project
