Norner is granted 2,5 MEUR to run the FuturePack project that imply research on future green packaging solutions. This is circular economy in practice. 

The project is financed by the Norwegian Research Council (NRC) and industrial project partners.

The scope of the project is to develop a comprehensive knowledge platform for production of sustainable packaging materials from Norwegian biomass and plastic waste resourced, in accordance with the principles of circular economy.  

About FuturePack project

The FuturePack project will develop a comprehensive knowledge platform for production of sustainable packaging materials from Norwegian biomass and polymer waste resources, in accordance with the principles of circular economy.Plastics and plastics packaging are an integral and important part of the global economy. Plastic materials, due to low cost, durability and high strength-to-weight ratio have contributed to economic benefits for different sectors including packaging. The plastics industry is today highly reliant on feedstock based on oil and gas. Within 2050, 20% of the oil resources will be needed for plastics production compared to 6% today (2014).Focus on circular economy is a potential way to reduce the demands on finite raw materials and minimizing negative effects while still have possibility to increase prosperity. This requires systemic and holistic approach. Firstly, an overarching vision is that plastics never becomes waste but re-enters the economy as valuable recycled materials or chemicals. Secondly, a “green shift” to renewable feedstock will decouple plastic from fossil feedstock.The major elements of the FuturePack project represent new knowledge and innovations for the partners, and are new both nationally and internationally. The project will evaluate the fit of Norwegian biomass and plastics waste resources for polymer production followed by developing a technology for cost-efficient conversion of biomass and plastics waste by pyrolysis into building blocks for polymers. The chemical composition after pyrolysis needs further purification before olefins will be used in polymerisation of bio based PE and/or PP. Another important aspect is the design and solutions for improved material recycling which is another important aspect of circular economy. The new technologies and value chains will be assessed by LCSA assessments.

As a global leader of industrial polymer R&D services, Norner operates an advanced technology centre for development and laboratory testing. 

Norner deliver customer advice and support in:

Strong strategic focus on sustainable project cooperation in fields of recycling and biobased materials.R&D partner. Cooperation with industry partners and other institutes. Research on low weight/volume packaging, better packaging protection.Packaging material development using recycled PE and PP.Develop new packaging designs fit for recycling.Test and characterise the packaging materials.Verify ethylene and propylene from biomass and plastic waste as drop-in monomers for PE and PP production in bench scale.

Our R&D competences cover:

Expertise and understanding in developing new expertise in the whole cyclic plastic packaging value chain. knowledge in the use of recycled PE and PP for packaging.Design and develop new packaging fit for recycling in line with circular economy principles.Knowledge in bio-based raw materials (wood, algae) and plastic waste as source for ethylene and propylene production.Bench scale demonstration of production of bio-based PE and PP. 

Read more about:

FuturePack project descriptionFuturePack press release