Opportunities for the production of sustainable bio-based disposable products
Since the EU ban on single-use plastic in 2021, more and more new bio-based single-use products are appearing on the market.
However, the natural fibers used in the production of these items are still often not very sustainable. Another problem is the costly and sometimes environmentally harmful paper bleaching process that is currently often used in the production of disposable products based on cellulose fibers.
Researchers from Impulse Project 6 Natural fiber-based and biodegradable consumables want to find solutions to these problems. The research team is looking at new and simple technologies for sustainable product development in the field of bio-based and biodegradable disposable products. In particular, the research group is looking at the utilization of biomass (e.g. chaff/straw) that was previously unused in agriculture and is therefore sustainably available, which can be used in the manufacture of disposable products.
Two years after the start of impulse project 6(we reported), the researchers can look back on some exciting results:
Together with the partner companies RHODE + WAGNER Anlagenbau GmbH and Lausiter Naturfaser Ebersbach UG, they were able to develop formulations based on different, sustainably available biomass, which were used to produce stable test specimens for various applications. In order to ensure good resistance to various liquids with which the disposable products come into contact during use, different bio-based coatings were tested depending on the plant used. As a result, for example, a material based on chaff straw - even without a coating - showed resistance to oil and water for more than 24 hours. In addition, the technology developed completely eliminates the need for paper bleaching, both in terms of the environment and appearance.
The technology used to manufacture the products is reminiscent of baking waffles: dried, shredded fibers (for example from chaff straw, banana fibers or reeds) are mixed with a recipe of water and a little nature-based glue specially developed by the researchers and then pressed at high temperature into a mold, which is then coated.
The unique selling point of the LaNDER³ partnership is the consideration of the closed value chain of natural fiber composites: From the extraction of the natural fiber to the recycling of the components at the end of the life cycle.
Following this approach, another LaNDER³ research group investigated the sortability of bio-based disposable products from a normal waste stream in impulse project 7 Recycling of NFRP materials. In addition, impulse project 6, in collaboration with a student from the Ecology and Environmental Protection degree program, investigated the biodegradability and compostability of disposable products. Results to date show both very good sortability and very good biodegradability.
The next and final step in the project will be experiments to transfer the research findings to an industrial scale in order to pave the way for the new materials to be used in practice.
Studying and research go hand in hand at LaNDER³. Interested students who would like to work with us, conduct research and/or write their thesis with us are welcome to contact Henriette Uhlig, Project Management LaNDER³, by e-mail at: H.Uhlig(at)hszg.de
