Value from lignin products : packaging advantages of METNIN™ SHIELD, a business case
Saloranta, Pauliina (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061823316
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061823316
Tiivistelmä
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 2025/40 aims to significantly increase packaging material recycling, targeting 70% by 2030 and 85% for paper and cardboard. The urgency of this goal is underscored by the fact that packaging plastics accounted for 44% of the 391 million tonnes of plastic produced in Europe in 2022, resulting in an estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic leaking into oceans annually.
Addressing this environmental challenge necessitates research into replacing harmful chemicals with eco-friendly alternatives, all while maintaining essential safety and barrier properties in packaging and enabling effective recycling. Lignin, a complex but potential substitute for fossil-based materials, offers a promising solution. Despite an annual production of 100 million tons of lignin as a side stream from the pulp and paper industry, 98% of it is currently incinerated as low-value fuel.
This thesis explores how the packaging industry can evolve to utilize lignin more effectively. It focuses on METNIN™ SHIELD, a lignin-based product developed by MetGen, a company dedicated to enzyme technology and lignin valorization. The ultimate output of this thesis will be a business case for METNIN™ SHIELD, demonstrating its value in fostering a more sustainable future for the packaging industry.
Addressing this environmental challenge necessitates research into replacing harmful chemicals with eco-friendly alternatives, all while maintaining essential safety and barrier properties in packaging and enabling effective recycling. Lignin, a complex but potential substitute for fossil-based materials, offers a promising solution. Despite an annual production of 100 million tons of lignin as a side stream from the pulp and paper industry, 98% of it is currently incinerated as low-value fuel.
This thesis explores how the packaging industry can evolve to utilize lignin more effectively. It focuses on METNIN™ SHIELD, a lignin-based product developed by MetGen, a company dedicated to enzyme technology and lignin valorization. The ultimate output of this thesis will be a business case for METNIN™ SHIELD, demonstrating its value in fostering a more sustainable future for the packaging industry.