BoostLab1-7: EBRA - development of disposable products with bio-based coatings from regional agricultural residue streams from the food industry
Project duration
January 1, 2022 to Dezember 31, 2024
Project partners
RWTH Aachen, ABBt (Chair of Biotechnology)
Project description
The goal of the EBRA project is to provide materials in the sense of "unmodified, natural polymers" for disposable tableware and packaging that are domestically sourced, compostable, can be processed on existing equipment.
Agricultural residues from sugar production, pea and potato processing, as well as unmodified natural polymers such as starch and pectin should be used as raw materials. All residues and raw materials used in the material should be degradable and compostable under defined conditions and have or be able to obtain approval for food contact. In the case of the agricultural residues and natural polymers to be used, starch and beet pectin, this is given. The proportion of beet pulp and other agricultural residues in the product should be as high as possible.
Concrete requirements are mechanical stability and water resistance under defined conditions. Two strategies are being pursued in the project to increase resistance to moisture and fats. First, water-repellent protein coatings based on anchor peptides and a functional fusion partner are being developed, and enzymatic polymerization is being used. The coatings will be applied using standard procedures. Degradability and compostability will be investigated during the project.
Overall, the project contributes to the overall goals of sustainability in the field of disposable products and packaging solutions and a circular bioeconomy. By creating new value chains and jobs in the relevant business fields, the structural change in the Rheinisches Revier can be positively influenced and pave the way for the development of new potentials.
Open positions
Currently none