International research project REPAC²

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Paper and cardboard are ideal packaging materials through the renewable origin of cellulose fibres, their high specific rigidity and light weight. To increase the quality and shelf life of packaged foods, the performance of paper needs to be adjusted through barrier coatings offering protection against water, gas permeability or aroma preservation. What about the suitability for recycling of these coated materials? The Cornet-Tetra project Repac² ('Functional & recyclable coated paper packaging for food products') aims to evaluate functionality and recyclability of paper for food packaging. This by providing support to industrial partners for the accelerated implementation of coated paper and cardboard materials that have good barrier properties in contact with food and are also recyclable in accordance with current legislation. The knowledge gained during the project will help companies to select these materials and accelerate the possible implementation of coated recyclable materials within the food industry.

This workshop covers two days:

Day 1 - Evaluation of coated paper as household food packaging  (05.09.2023)

This workshop covers the evaluation of coated paper as household food packaging with hands-on demonstration of the coated paper testing. The objective is to gain insight into the evaluation of coated paper as food packaging.

Programme:

• Part 1: Introduction to the REPAC² project on recyclable coated paper (HBC.2021.0288). In this part, the theoretical overview is provided of the tests that will be demonstrated in the laboratory.
• Part 2 (incl. sandwich lunch break): Laboratory practical at Materials and Packaging Research & Services (including sealing, leak tightness, gas permeability, mechanical properties, oil and water absorption).
• Part 3: Conclusion with an opportunity for a question and answer session and planning for upcoming events related to this theme.
• Network opportunity

Location:

MPR&S, Wetenschapspark 27, 3590 Diepenbeek

Day 2 - Coatings for paper food packaging and their effect on paper recyclability (05.10.2023)

This workshop covers the different types of coatings used for paper food packaging with hands-on demonstration of the application, the testing of mechanical coating properties and the testing of the recyclability according to the new harmonised European guideline from CEPI. The objective is to gain insight into the coatings used on paper for household food packaging and the effect on the recyclability in existing paper recycling at end-of-life. Based on these insights, it is possible to make the best choice for food packaging.

Programme:

• Part 1: Introduction to the REPAC² project on recyclable coated paper (VLAIO HBC.2021.0288). In this part, the theoretical overview is provided on coatings used for paper food packaging and the selection made for the demonstration cases within the REPAC2 project. Additionally, the processability of coatings is discussed.
• Part 2: Introduction in the new harmonized European guideline of CEPI for testing the recyclability of paper
• Part 3: Laboratory practical at Sirris where application, mechanical testing and recyclability is performed. 
• Part 4: Conclusion with an opportunity for a question and answer session and planning for upcoming events related to this theme.
• Network opportunity

Location:

Sirris, Gaston Geenslaan 8, 3001 Heverlee

Instructors

MPR&S (Universiteit Hasselt) and Sirris

Target audience

All employees in R&D, quality, laboratory, packaging processes, procurement/sales, etc.

Mind that the working language for both workshops is English.

Price

The contribution for this workshop is 500 EUR for 2 days. It is possible to delegate different colleagues for each session. Members of the guidance group of the REPAC2-project can subscribe 2 persons of the company for free. No-show fee is 100 EUR.

This workshop is organised within the framework of the project CORNET-TETRA REPAC² with financial support of VLAIO (HBC.2021.0288).