Environmental Conservation Obtained by Injection Moulded Pulp PACkaging Technology (ECOIMPPACT)

The project will commercialise an improved process for the production of moulded paper packaging with significant environmental and other benefits. The process machines will enable packaging manufacturers to assist retailers in achieving cost effective environmental targets in Europe. This will be achieved by providing novel machines to packaging manufacturers throughout Europe from 2013 onwards. The environmental benefits include promotion of paper recycling and use of sustainable materials with associated reduction in waste and pollution. The process uses less energy than conventional paper processes and is cost effective compared with the conventional paper packaging as well as production of plastic packaging. Commercial benefits are a compact de-centralised process with a small footprint, which produces a finished dried product in situ. The process has the capability for high quality, more intricately shaped products for diverse complex containers. Additives can be incorporated during the manufacturing process to provide colour and fire and water resistant qualities.