The development of innovative, high-barrier paper and plastic packaging intended for contact with food is supported by the European BeFORE project, launched in March 2024. Solutions from Poland, Germany and Belgium will be studied by experts and scientists from renowned institutions and industry organizations from these countries, and their goal is to develop solutions that respond to both technological challenges and changing legal and environmental requirements.

The full name of the project – Influence of processing on innovative recyclable high-barrier materials for plastic and paper packaging reflects the broad scope of research issues essential for creating packaging that aligns with current market expectations and upcoming legal changes. As emphasized by Dr. Eng. Karolina Wiszumirska from the Department of Quality of Industrial Products and Packaging at the Poznań University of Economics and Business, Innovation Director of the Natureef Association, the project includes a comprehensive analysis of all stages of packaging creation: from material selection and forming processes to the impact of machine packaging on final performance properties and the packaging’s suitability for recycling.

Database and Advanced Material Tests

One of the main outcomes of the project will be the creation of a database on barrier materials and coatings, along with a description of their properties and potential applications. This database will be an extension of a tool developed within the earlier CORNET REPAC² project, which focused on the analysis of coated paper packaging. As the experience of partners in both projects shows, commercial access to such a database is significant support for companies seeking new packaging solutions.

Companies involved in the CORNET BeFORE project can submit materials for testing via a simple online form. Submitted packaging does not yet have to be commercially available on the market, but its technical readiness level (TRL) should be at least 6 or 7. To date, approximately 40 different types of packaging such as pouches, sachets, and doypacks, intended for food products, cosmetics, and pet food, have been submitted. Ultimately, six to eight packaging types will be selected for comprehensive laboratory and storage tests. Their results will provide reliable knowledge for suppliers of new solutions.

Collaboration with Industry and Analysis of Legal Challenges

An integral part of the project is close cooperation with the industry. Research results will be regularly discussed with the User Committee, which includes packaging and food companies from Poland, Germany, and Belgium. There are currently over 50 such companies. The final outcome of the work will be both an expanded material database and a detailed report summarizing the results of laboratory and storage tests, recyclability assessment, compliance with legal requirements, and practical recommendations for users and suppliers of innovative packaging.

Within the BeFORE project, issues related to assessing the recyclability of materials according to the EU PPWR regulation (Regulation (EU) 2025/40), design limitations, and packaging safety issues, including compliance with requirements regarding the content of recyclates in plastic packaging, will also be analyzed. Researchers will pay particular attention to the influence of forming and packaging processes on the risk of deterioration of barrier properties and the occurrence of other damage.

The next stage of the project will involve storage tests of products in different types of packaging and an analysis of the results, which will be used to develop predictive models for packaging materials. This will allow for more precise packaging design in the future. The research infrastructure will be provided, among others, by Polish companies associated with the user committee, who simultaneously gain access to current knowledge through a series of webinars and stationary meetings.

Renowned Partners

The coordinator of the BeFORE project is the German association IVLV (Industrievereinigung für Lebensmitteltechnologie und Verpackung), and the following units take part in it: IVV-Fraunhofer, Pack4Food, Sirris, MPR&S. The Polish side is represented by the Centre for Bioimmobilisation and Innovative Packaging Materials of the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin and the Natureef Association, cooperating with experts and member companies. Polish activities under the project are financed by the National Centre for Research and Development as part of the 37th edition of the CORNET initiative. The user consortium currently includes 12 Polish companies – mainly from the packaging and food production sectors.

Companies interested in the development of innovative, high-barrier packaging can still join the project through the Natureef Association.

The BeFORE project is co-financed by the National Centre for Research and Development within the CORNET initiative.