Betulin from birch bark: A moisture barrier for modern packaging
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Holmen AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | November 2020 - March 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme Bioinnovation |
| Call | Test your hypothesis – step 1 within BioInnovation: innovative projects of higher risk |
Important results from the project
** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** The project intends to contribute to the circular bioeconomy by creating conditions for an increased global demand for environmentally friendly barrier materials of birch bark, a by-product from the paper and pulp industry. The aim of the project was to convert betulin into renewable building blocks suitable as a moisture barrier for food packaging. Despite difficulties at the beginning of the project, expected results have been achieved and thus opportunities for renewable, forest-based moisture barriers for food packaging have been created.
Expected long term effects
** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** Coatings that provide paper and cardboard protective functions today consist of synthetic polymers. The quantities are significant, consumption in Sweden can be estimated at well over 200 ktonnes annually. Using domestic renewable raw materials to make green barriers to give paper and cardboard water-repellent properties is a key step in creating circular material flows within the packaging area.
Approach and implementation
** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** Green chemistry and biotechnology were used to convert betulin into renewable building blocks suitable as a moisture barrier for food packaging. This was done with water-based reaction systems under mild reaction conditions.