3D-printed and biobased packaging solutions

Important results from the project

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** Today´s packaging is often fossil-based or made of cardboard, corrugated cardboard or wood. The project´s goal was to test produced composite granules and optimize the biomass content and strength depending on the product. One goal of the project has been to have as large a share of bio-based or recycled materials as possible and to show that bio-based materials can be cheap and good alternatives. Special packaging with challenging geometries has been selected and prototypes have been manufactured and tested with tests specific to packaging.

Expected long term effects

Nefab currently has a number of special packaging made of injection-molded plastic and plywood. Products found in Nefab´s range have therefore been 3D printed and injection molded. It has been shown that 3D printing has difficulties in competing with injection molding when there are larger product volumes. Injection molding has also been shown to handle larger fiber contents. It has been shown that the larger the amount of grout, the cheaper the product, but also more difficult to process. Prototypes have been manufactured and tested with Nefab´s standard tests for special packaging.

Approach and implementation

Until the end, the project has had regular telephone meetings (every two weeks), which has contributed to the project constantly progressing. It has also been an important tool that a collaboration has been taken to get new products with new materials for Nefab´s special packaging. The collaboration in all work packages has worked and produced the expected results. The difficulties that have occurred have largely been due to Covid, which has caused difficulties with mainly the dissemination of results (canceled conferences) but also delays in material deliveries.