In response to the global environmental problems caused by plastic waste, the Corfo Challenge projects 23RIEYES-247902 “Validation of a prototype cellulose-based packaging with low moisture absorption, compostable and/or recyclable, suitable for direct contact with food” and Fondef ID24I10225 “Development of a prototype of grease- and moisture-resistant cardboard coated with compostable and recyclable renewable natural products” have emerged to provide concrete answers to the industry, which has turned its attention to renewable, compostable, and recyclable cellulosic materials.
Director of Laben Chile at our University, Dr. Abel Guarda Moraga, pointed out that these materials alone still need significant improvement to meet the durability and protection standards required for extending the shelf life of various food items.
“For now, solutions have been developed using coatings, which unfortunately are made from petroleum-based materials. Therefore, a material that is compostable and biodegradable in nature, when coated with this coating, complicates the functions for which they are being created,” said the researcher.
He further explained that his team, which includes Dr. Julio Bruna, food technology expert Ximena Valenzuela, other contributing professionals, and thesis students, is actively searching for a natural coating. This effort is in collaboration with Professor Bernardo Gárate from the Metropolitan Technological University (UTEM).
“Our discoveries include protein-type substances, specifically hydrocolloids or chitosan. Furthermore, we are integrating a range of components into the formulation to enable the formation of emulsions for industrial application. Ultimately, we aim to find a solution that can be effectively utilized in the food sector,” the agricultural engineer stated.
Our University’s Food Research Building in Santiago is the site of this work on complex cellulosic materials, which are difficult to process. Initial behavioral results are promising for industrial application and technology transfer.
“Our initial life cycle assessment showed positive results: the material can be reused in a new cycle after use. This is a significant advantage, as obtaining cellulose is a complicated process with environmental burdens like water consumption. By recycling, we avoid these resource-intensive steps and give the material a new life,” Dr. Guarda commented.
Both projects are being executed in collaboration with CMPC, specifically their Valdivia plant, which specializes in cardboard production. Additionally, the frozen food company Minuto Verde is participating; tests involving their hamburger product packaging have shown promising outcomes.
While the projects are set to conclude between 2025 and 2026, crucial details regarding technology transfer and scaling, with an expected effective date of 2028, remain to be defined and refined.