The Re3-Plast project will develop technologies and solutions that will reduce consumption, increase reuse and increase recycling of plastic packaging for use in new food packaging. Food packaging accounts for the largest share of plastic waste from households, with a great potential for resource utilisation through recycling. Both the public and the authorities are drawing attention to the high level of plastic consumption and the lack of circularity in Norway.

The EU has proposed a new regulation that will necessitate significant innovation and development of industrial solutions that will make it possible to adhere to the new legal requirements. For the Norwegian industrial sector to be prepared and able to meet these requirements, there is a significant need for new technology, circular systems and a changed composition of food packaging.

The Re3-Plast project will work within the three pillars: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We will develop new technology to; avoid unnecessary use of plastic, make food packaging reusable or recyclable, enable advanced sorting of food packaging, and increase the use of recycled plastic in food packaging. It is important that the changes in packaging design, material and composition, and in new solutions preserve the quality and shelf life of the food, and do not lead to increased food waste and/or environmental impact. The project will also result in new market opportunities for technology and packaging manufacturers and provide improved opportunities for offering market-adapted sorting of household plastics in Norway.

The project has a strong consortium representing the packaging value chain through the largest food manufacturers in Norway, packaging manufacturers, technology suppliers for packaging, labelling and sorting, plastic recycler and leading R&D partners.

Project Manager: Seniorforsker Marit Kvalvåg Pettersen

Funding received from: Grønn Plattform

Norner's Role: Norner wil will develop food packaging with 50% recycled plastic. It has to be designed for recycling, be able to be effectively sorted, and be recycled to a sufficiently good quality so that virgin plastic raw material can be replaced

Project Manager Norner: Tanja Radusin

More information:

https://prosjektbanken.forskningsradet.no/project/FORISS/346610

Press Release