Technological watch
Project topic informationRISE and Apple are developing a new bio-based packaging material
In a joint research project, RISE and Apple have developed a unique bio-based foam. The properties of the foam suggest that it could replace fossil-based materials such as polymer foam, which is often used in packaging, insulation and lightweight composites. The interim state of development is presented in a Whitepaper from RISE and Apple.
“The development of new bio-based materials is an important part of the transition to reduce our dependence on fossil materials. RISE’s role is to drive sustainable transition and innovation in close collaboration with industry and this collaboration with Apple on bio-based foam is an excellent example of this,” says Henrik Bagewitz, VP Business Development, RISE.
Cellulose foams: Sustainable solutions to replace fossil-based plastic foams. © RISE and Apples joint White paperThe new material, a cellulose foam, has demonstrated good properties such as resistance to compression and a uniform and small pore size, which provides an aesthetically pleasing structure. A major advantage is also that the material is recycable in the paper packaging recycling stream, and the production process is also comparatively straight forward. The material has several applications, in addition to its use in packaging, it could also be used for example as a construction material.
“Sweden has a long standing history of innovation in the forestry and forest products sector, and has been at the forefront of development of new cellulose-based materials. At RISE, we have both the test beds required to enable the modern bioeconomy, and the competence in legislation and regulations. Our strong innovation culture and collaborative mindset alows us to bring together actors throughout the supply chain, from raw material suppliers to brand owners. We now want to invite partners to work with us to help drive the development forward,” says Henrik Bagewitz, VP Business Development, RISE.
Link to White paper: https://www.ri.se/en/cellulose-foam
“The development of new bio-based materials is an important part of the transition to reduce our dependence on fossil materials. RISE’s role is to drive sustainable transition and innovation in close collaboration with industry and this collaboration with Apple on bio-based foam is an excellent example of this,” says Henrik Bagewitz, VP Business Development, RISE.
Cellulose foams: Sustainable solutions to replace fossil-based plastic foams. © RISE and Apples joint White paperThe new material, a cellulose foam, has demonstrated good properties such as resistance to compression and a uniform and small pore size, which provides an aesthetically pleasing structure. A major advantage is also that the material is recycable in the paper packaging recycling stream, and the production process is also comparatively straight forward. The material has several applications, in addition to its use in packaging, it could also be used for example as a construction material.
“Sweden has a long standing history of innovation in the forestry and forest products sector, and has been at the forefront of development of new cellulose-based materials. At RISE, we have both the test beds required to enable the modern bioeconomy, and the competence in legislation and regulations. Our strong innovation culture and collaborative mindset alows us to bring together actors throughout the supply chain, from raw material suppliers to brand owners. We now want to invite partners to work with us to help drive the development forward,” says Henrik Bagewitz, VP Business Development, RISE.
Link to White paper: https://www.ri.se/en/cellulose-foam