The project ran between November 2022 and March 2025.
Photo from the project.
The GoneShells project has successfully demonstrated the potential of thermoplastic starch (TPS) films for advanced packaging solutions by significantly enhancing mechanical and barrier properties and optimizing the production. Laminated films show excellent water and oil barriers, are 3D-formable, and fit multilayer structures. Despite challenges with barrier compatibility, the results indicate a longer potential lifespan for various applications. New partnerships were established, and several promising solutions were identified.
The project demonstrates that the starch films can be produced on an industrial scale through efficient one-step extrusion, resulting in lower costs, reduced energy consumption and higher efficiency. Optimized process parameters improved strength, stability, and barrier performance. The laminated films are suitable for multilayer packaging, and show scalability without quality loss, supporting commercialization as an alternative to fossil-based packaging.
Participants
Tomorrow Machine, Nordic Barrier Coating, Lyckeby Sveriges stärkelseproducenter förening u.p.a., Eckes-Granini Group, Happy Forsman & Bodenfors and RISE Bioeconomy and Health.
Budget
The project’s total budget was 4 MSEK.
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- Gelatinized bowl form of starch.
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- Exploring designs and prototypes.
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- Exploring designs and prototypes.
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- Exploring designs and prototypes.
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- Exploring designs and prototypes.
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- Barrier evaluation.
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- Extruded films of starch.
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- Extrusion process.
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- Extrusion process.
Read about: GoneShells: Bio-based degradable packaging – step 1