Films and coatings for circular packaging

Expected Outcome

Successful proposals will contribute to the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes:

• Wider availability of bio-based films and coatings for packaging products.
• Improved technical performances of packaging products compared to fossil based and/or bio-based benchmarks.
• Improved circularity of packaging products against specified market benchmarks taking into account production, use and EoL.

Scope

Many research projects have focused on developing and piloting bio-based coatings and films for application in food and non-food packaging. When targeting packaging, a primary challenge is achieving adequate barrier properties (against oxygen, moisture, grease and volatiles), as bio-based materials are typically more hydrophilic than conventional plastics like PE or PET. Processing methods, including bio-based coating deposition, face scalability and reproducibility issues. Coatings must adhere well to substrates while maintaining technical properties and not hindering sustainable EoL. Printability is another concern, as bio-based surfaces can cause ink issues like smudging or poor adhesion. Durability under stress and operating conditions is still a challenge for certain bio-based applications. Finally, design for sustainability and sustainable EoL are critical to reduce over-packaging, avoid littering and increase circularity, according to the principles set out in the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

Proposals under this topic should:

• Demonstrate (at least TRL 6) innovative technologies for obtaining bio-based films and/or coatings suitable for improving performance of packaging products. Both food and non-food packaging are in scope. At least one non-food packaging application should be addressed. While coatings and films must be bio-based, any (bio-based and/or non-bio based) material is in scope as a substrate.
• Demonstrate (at least TRL 6) the applicability of the developed solution(s) in the manufacturing of packaging product prototypes, ensuring compatibility with industrial packaging manufacturing processes.
• Assess targeted products properties according to the intended application(s) under conditions occurring during the use phases, including transport and storage. Such properties may include mechanical, barrier, surface properties, resistance to low or high temperatures, weathering, moisture and/or corrosion; compatibility with food contact requirements (when addressing food packaging), printability.
• Apply the eco-design principles, in line with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, to reduce overpackaging and enable/facilitate sustainable at EoL.
• Test the selected EoL alternatives (at TRL 5 and above). Circular EoL includes mechanical, chemical and/or enzymatic recycling, and composting and their possible combinations. Re-use and remanufacturing are also in scope when compatible with the application and common practices. Landfilling or incineration are out of scope.

In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026[1], proposals under this topic should:

• As part of the multi-actor approach (MAA), involve end users and engage consumers (when applicable) starting from the early stages to assess market acceptance of the targeted end-products and incorporate insights into product development.
• Assess the compatibility with the regulatory framework, in particular the Single Use Plastics Directive (SUP) and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), identify opportunities for bio-based products and/or potential bottlenecks and provide recommendations for addressing them.
• Include a task to apply the SSbD framework, developed by the European Commission for the assessment of targeted bio-based films and coatings. For more information on the SSbD framework and criteria, refer to Safe and sustainable by design.
• Ensure complementarities with past and ongoing R&I projects addressing similar challenges, including projects funded under Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe (under Cluster 6 and other Clusters of Horizon Europe) and BBI JU/CBE JU projects.

[1] https://www.cbe.europa.eu/reference-documents