From pioneering research to applied technology, building the development prospects of an entire industry: cellulose-based materials for rigid sustainable packaging is a hot topic, and will be the focus of the “technological day” organized by AIM (the Italian association of science and macromolecule technology), scheduled for 22 November 2022.

Hosted by Sacmi at its headquarter in Imola (Bologna, Italy), the day will bring together leading figures from the worlds of research, university and business, including technology users and providers alike. Always at the forefront of advanced research into polymers - from both a scientific and technical-application perspective - AIM turns the spotlight on an area that is increasingly viewed as a “pillar” of sustainability in rigid packaging.

The most abundant polymer of natural origin, cellulose is in fact sustainable by definition. No fossil fuels are needed to obtain it. Above all, at the end of their life cycles, cellulose-based products can be disposed of together with other compostable materials or fed into the paper recycling chain (depending on formulation). Hence the keen interest in the possibility of making packaging items - containers and especially closures - from compounds with plastic polymers, or even near-pure cellulose fiber that has been treated with additives to give it the required water-repellent, strength and sealing properties.

Achieving these ambitious goals will involve several scientific and technological challenges; such issues will be the focus of the protagonists’ talks on 22 November. Talks will be followed by a visit to the production departments and the Sacmi rigid packaging laboratory where these lines of research are taking tangible shape on products and technological processes.