Innovation Showcase

Exploring new materials, technologies, and processes that are shaping the future of sustainable packaging.

New Materials & Technologies

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TRL 6–7 · Demonstration

PHA Bioplastics from Waste Feedstocks

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are produced by bacterial fermentation of organic waste streams, creating packaging materials that are biodegradable in soil, freshwater, and marine environments. Several UK and European producers are now scaling to commercial production.

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TRL 8–9 · Commercial

Agricultural Fibre Moulded Packaging

Moulded packaging made from agricultural residues (wheat straw, bagasse, reed) as alternatives to expanded polystyrene and plastic trays. Now commercially available for electronics, cosmetics, and food service applications.

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TRL 4–5 · Development

Seaweed-Based Edible Packaging Films

Thin films derived from seaweed (alginate and carrageenan) that are edible, water-soluble, and compostable. Applications include single-serve condiment sachets, dissolvable wraps, and water-soluble pouches for dry goods.

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TRL 6–7 · Demonstration

Chemical Recycling of Flexible Plastics

Pyrolysis and depolymerisation technologies that break down mixed flexible plastic packaging into chemical feedstocks for new food-grade plastics. Several plants are now operating at pilot scale in the UK and Europe.

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TRL 8–9 · Commercial

Water-Based Barrier Coatings for Paper

Dispersion-coated papers that provide grease and moisture barriers without plastic lamination. Now certified recyclable in standard paper streams, enabling paper packaging for applications previously requiring plastic or foil barriers.

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TRL 5–6 · Pilot

Enzymatic Plastic Depolymerisation

Engineered enzymes that break down PET plastic at low temperatures into its monomer building blocks, enabling infinite recycling of PET packaging without quality degradation. Pilot-scale facilities now operating.

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Have an innovation to showcase?

If you are developing or commercialising a sustainable packaging innovation and would like to be featured, we would love to hear from you.

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