Hungary is stepping up its commitment to environmental sustainability with the development of a new, home-compostable biopolymer-based packaging material. The project, a collaboration between Q-Automotive Ltd and the University of Szeged (SZTE), is supported by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH).
The initiative responds to the increasing demand for long-term, environmentally compatible solutions as the global focus intensifies on reducing plastic waste. According to project leaders, biopolymers made from renewable and natural raw materials are gaining popularity due to their sustainable nature and waste-neutrality.
The project, with a total budget of 945 million forints, aims to develop a biomass-derived packaging material and corresponding manufacturing technology. The new packaging is designed to replace traditional, non-degradable plastics, thereby significantly reducing environmental impact. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Key to the development is ensuring that the biopolymers exhibit controlled water solubility and biological degradability. This approach will optimize the lifespan of the packaging materials while ensuring that their decomposition does not result in the formation of micro- or nanoplastics—addressing a critical environmental concern.
Currently, thermoplastic biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic starch require industrial processing and fall short of sustainability expectations. The new packaging materials, however, are designed to be sustainable, easily processable, and economically viable for mass production.
Q-Automotive has prior experience in producing home-compostable packaging, though current methods involve a two-step process: initial injection moulding followed by an additional layering procedure. The goal of the new project is to simplify this by developing a manufacturing technology that integrates solubility and biodegradability properties directly into the base production phase.
By the end of the project, the company plans to model the manufacturability of a wide range of products. This includes both thin-walled, lightweight items like cutlery, caps, vials, and pipettes, as well as thicker, heavier products such as boxes, technical components, crates, and pallets.
The NKFIH is contributing approximately 680 million forints to the project, highlighting the initiative’s importance to Hungary’s sustainable development strategy.
This research and development initiative signifies more than just technological progress. It underscores Hungary’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and advancing innovative, sustainable solutions that align with global sustainability goals.
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