The joint project "MoBiLe" is researching transparent high-barrier films with high product protection properties and recyclability.
 

The aim of the project is to develop a new type of packaging film that uses only one polymer (monomaterial) as the base material. This will ensure the best possible recyclability, combined with optimum product protection in line with the concept of 'design for recycling'. Specially produced polyolefin films with functional coatings (based on ORMOCER® and SiOx) and correlating processes are being developed for this purpose, which have high-barrier properties for food packaging.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and supervised by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) as part of the programme to promote innovation. The film packaging to be developed must fulfil complex requirement profiles, such as providing a barrier against oxygen and water vapour, protecting against loss of aroma, and avoiding contamination.

The project includes an investigation of migration of foreign substances, which will provide a basis for the legal assessment of using recycled materials in food packaging.  Additionally, a quantitative comparison will be conducted between virgin and recycled materials, as well as between the two base films, polyethylene and polypropylene. The two polyolefins will be optimized for barrier applications to enable future recycling. Additionally, a life cycle assessment in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14040/14044 will be conducted to determine and optimize the sustainability of the new development throughout the entire value chain.