QLK1-2000-41200 Development of a natural coating based on shellac for eco-friendly packages in the food industry

Abstract

Waste management and preservation of resources are one of the main challenges in Europe. It is the intention of this project to use the special properties of the natural resin shellac for the creation of new eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging materials mainly for the food sector. Nowadays, recycling of packaging materials are costly because they do not exist of natural materials. Alternatives like materials derived from starch are biodegradable but show little stability.

Hence, it is the intention of the project:

• To create a proper formulation with shellac as main component for coating or impregnation of packaging materials;
• To identify suitable other compounds for the formulation;
• To identify suitable substrate materials;
• To test the properties of the new packaging material (stability, harmlessness, residue analysis, biodegradability);
• and finally to create a new biodegrable packaging material originated completely from renewable resources.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Michael STURM / Stroever Gmbh & Co Kg. GERMANY

Participant

• Susanna KLIMA / F W Nestler & co kg AUSTRIA