Bio-based barrier to replace aluminium

Purpose and goal

The purpose was to create a new application for Swedish forest raw materials and to develop a bio-based renewable barrier material that is suitable for replacing energy-consuming aluminum foil. The aim of the project is to apply a thin layer of bio-based material on substrate and together with a biofilm to replace energy-consuming aluminum foil as a gas barrier. The application technique worked as expected and material tests show both good gas and grease barrier properties that are close to these aluminum barrier properties.

Expected results and effects

Pilot trials showed that the new coating technology is a suitable technique for coating the new renewable bio-based barrier material.The oxygen barrier performance was tested by using the standard OTR "Oxygen Transmission rate" method to test the oxygen barrier property. The values were found to be a really low level which is close to aluminum gas barrier values.There is a great development potential for both bio-based barrier materials and the application technology. With these developments, we can take an important step in moving Sweden towards bio-based social economy.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was carried out by Iggesund Paperboard / Holmen AB, and the Tallriksfabriken asproject partners. In addition, subcontractors covering the entire value chain have been involved.Several trials were carried out at the pilot coating plant in Iggesund to develop both material and process knowledge and thereby increase the possibilities of using the renewable barrier material in large-scale industrial production.Application technology worked as expected and analyzes show both good gas and grease barrier properties that are close to these barrier properties for aluminum.