Films for Future

The F3-program consortium brings together a global group of forerunners to develop new sustainable recyclable low-carbon films, which are designed to replace current fossil-based films. The aim of this project is to develop and scale up the manufacturing of lignocellulose-based film materials and to demonstrate their use in food packaging applications. The film materials will be prepared by using dissolution in selected cellulose solvents. The dissolved material will be transformed into film-like materials or coatings on paper-based substrates. The properties, recyclability, and suitability of prepared materials on converting processes will be investigated. Additionally, the converting processes will be developed based on the experiences obtained from new bio-based materials.

Majority of the work will be carried out in pilot-scale. The films are produced at VTT’s new pilot line (ready during Q1/2022) and on a modified pilot-scale extrusion and wet-coating line. LUT will characterize, verify, and develop packaging converting and packaging performance of novel cellulose films and barrier coatings created in a versatile pilot environment. Local raw materials streams are utilized to produce demo materials, which performance will be evaluated together with local stakeholders. Produced solutions aims to serve e.g., plastic, packaging, food, and construction industries.

F3-program strengthens the role of Uusimaa region as the centre of bio- and circular economy. F3-program will also be a part of the circular economy valley of Uusimaa (Uudenmaan kiertotalouslaakso) and the role of South Karelia as a center of forest industry. Program supports the goals of the strategy of Uusimaa and South Karelia (Älykkään erikoistumisen strategia)through renewal of industry, creating of sustainable growth and by creating of low carbon solutions. The project goals are well aligned with the roadmaps (e.g., Hiilineutraali Uusimaa and Yritteliäs eKarjala) of both regions. Project combines the unique expertise of VTT, LUT and project partners of material science and manufacturing technology in order to develop totally new low carbon alternatives for current fossil-based solutions. Project generates totally new academic know-how and piloting opportunities for Uusimaa and South Karelia regions. Additionally, the new international network aims to generate new co-operations also outside the F3 scope.

F3 consortium consists of 34 national and international companies (from which 9 companies are SME’s), which forms a unique value chain of sustainable, recyclable low-carbon solutions. The program will be executed in very close collaboration between VTT and LUT and the linkage to other public programs is strong. Duration of the program is three years, and it strengthens the position (visibility, scientific knowhow, etc) of VTT and LUT in the field of biomaterial research.

VTT and LUT are committed to follow their code of conduct, where safe, professional and environmentally aware way of working is described. Gender equality is taken into account when selecting the persons carrying out the work in the program.

In Films for Future (F3) research project, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and LUT University are developing new environmentally friendly packaging solutions with 34 industrial partners. The main objective of the project is to develop cellulose-based alternatives to replace the plastic films currently used in packages. The new film material will also meet the demands of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, which deals with the shift to a circular economy and improving the quality of the environment. The program is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).