Eco-friendly packaging materials

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Micrea Ltd. partnered with a client to develop sustainable packaging materials using their advanced drying technologies. This case study demonstrates how Micrea's Microwave Vacuum Drying (MVD) and Infrared Vacuum Drying (IVD) methods were employed to create high-quality films of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) for use in eco-friendly packaging.

The primary goals of this project were:

• To develop uniform MFC films suitable for packaging.
• To identify optimal drying parameters for producing consistent and high-quality films.
• To explore different application methods and paper thicknesses for MFC films.

The trials revealed several key findings:

• Optimal Drying Conditions: The best results were achieved at 60°C and 400 mbara pressure, with drying times of approximately 20 minutes per layer.
• Film Quality: The use of appropriate paper thickness and uniform application methods resulted in high-quality MFC films.
• Drying Methods: While IVD provided consistent drying, MVD was found to be too intense for thin layers, causing structural damage.

The project successfully identified the parameters for producing high-quality MFC films. The findings highlighted the importance of using the right drying techniques and application methods to achieve the desired film properties.

Micrea's technology proved effective in developing sustainable packaging materials, showcasing the potential of MVD and IVD methods in industrial applications. Future work will focus on optimizing the drying process further and scaling up production for commercial use.

This case study underscores the versatility and efficiency of Micrea's drying technologies in advancing sustainable packaging solutions.