The aim of the project, in the flexible packaging format, is to reduce the use of solvents, the number of layers in laminated structures, the energy requirement and processing times, without compromising the functional and aesthetic characteristics of the packaging, with particular attention paid to the possible use of biodegradable materials for the packaging industry.
Icimendue srl, as foreseen by the project objective, has completed the development of the innovative monolayer structures, more sustainable than the traditional bilayer structures for food packaging. The proposed structures appear to be, both from a functional and an aesthetic point of view, comparable to the traditional ones. The reduction to monolayer was possible thanks to the development of innovative techniques, such as atmospheric plasma treatment, electron beam curing and post-metallization, as well as a study to reduce the solvents used and the use of new biodegradable materials, as a compostable alternative to otherwise recyclable structures in the plastics supply chain. In addition, Life Cycle Assessments were conducted to assess the sustainability of the innovative structures created.