DI Miguel Di Gennaro, MSc
Former employee
Frequently searched
Project Duration: 30.04.2021 to 31.03.2023
Due to the improper disposal of food packaging in the environment and the resulting consequences, there is growing global interest in more sustainable packaging solutions. In particular, the pollution of the oceans and the associated ecosystems is a serious threat and requires an urgent solution.
One obvious material for replacing conventional plastics is the group of biopolymers known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA for short). These are characterised by their sustainable production and biodegradability, even under marine conditions. PHAs also have good processability for biopolymers.
The use of PHAs for food packaging is currently only possible to a limited extent due to their lack of barrier properties with regard to oxygen, grease, moisture (etc.). Petrochemical plastics generally have better properties here and are otherwise reinforced by coatings.
The barriers applied as coatings prevent or slow down the biodegradability of the packaging, depending on the application. For this reason, the Frauenhofer ISC has developed a new barrier coating made of Ormocer, an inorganic-organic hybrid polymer. This barrier coating fulfils all the requirements for biodegradability and food protection.
Former employee