The packaging industry, like the medical technology sector, is dependent on new materials and raw material sources in order to reduce its enormous CO₂ footprint and demand for fossil resources. The aim of the PHA4Pack project is therefore to develop a new bio-based and biodegradable packaging material based on biogenic CO₂ emissions and CO₂-neutrally produced H₂ using disposable medical products and special packaging as model products.

In the frame of the project, the manufacturing process for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) is to be significantly improved and the polymers further developed for specific applications in order to obtain suitable material properties for the intended applications.

In particular, the microstructure has to be modified in order to extend the performance window and functionality and thus meet the demanding requirements of the packaging and medical device market. The applicability of the developed raw material in the five most important plastics processing technologies (injection molding, blown film, film extrusion, film thermoforming and profile extrusion) will be demonstrated using prototypes.

The aim is to roll out the formulations developed to other products. The packaging market is particularly interesting, as the EU will make compostability mandatory for some types of packaging, e.g. coffee capsules. As the requirements for purity and quality in medical technology are higher than for coffee capsules, it is important to develop new formulations.

The research project is accompanied by a detailed process evaluation. This includes a techno-economic analysis, a cost-effectiveness analysis, a life cycle assessment as well as the evaluation of compatibility with the 2015 Paris climate targets.