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Description
Established in 2018, LAM''ON LTD. is a startup specializing in eco-friendly packaging solutions. Their research and development efforts have led to the creation of LAM''ON, a 100% biodegradable laminating film, and PACK''ON, a corn-based packaging foil. These products mimic traditional plastic film but are made from Polylactic Acid (PLA), rendering them fully compostable and compatible with existing industrial machinery. LAM''ON''s breakthroughs offer a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to conventional packaging materials, reducing waste and promoting composting practices.
Recognizing the environmental impact of discarded packaging foils, LAM''ON Ltd. is working on a marine biodegradable packaging foil, designed to break down in cold saltwater. The company has successfully developed a laboratory prototype and is proceeding with food safety testing and certification. The forthcoming product, PACK''ON Ocean, opens new market opportunities and allows packaging companies to offer innovative, environmentally friendly solutions that comply with EU regulations and reduce waste management costs. Beyond commercial benefits, PACK''ON Ocean contributes to curbing plastic pollution and promoting composting, advancing sustainability goals.
Summary of project results
The project was developed to address the escalating environmental crisis caused by plastic pollution in marine ecosystems, with a specific focus on the additives embedded within these plastics. Currently, an estimated 150 million tons of plastics are circulating in the oceans, of which approximately 23 million tons consist of chemical additives. These additives are often used to enhance the functionality and durability of plastic products but can pose serious environmental and health risks when released into natural ecosystems. Alarmingly, about 225,000 tons of these potentially harmful substances are entering the ocean annually—a figure projected to rise dramatically to 1.2 million tons per year by 2050 if current trends continue.
In addition to the issue of chemical contamination, the project also targets the broader challenge of inadequate recycling of packaging materials, particularly packaging foils. Through the development of the clear packaging foil PACK’ON and its accompanying market research, the project team identified a significant gap in the sustainability of current packaging practices. Most conventional packaging foils are either not recyclable or are not recycled effectively, leading to their disposal in landfills, incineration facilities, or worse, dispersal into the natural environment—including oceans.
The project undertook a series of strategic research, development, and testing activities to advance PACK’ON Ocean—a marine biodegradable packaging foil—from an early laboratory prototype to a market-ready solution. These activities were structured to move the product from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5—where the technology is validated in a relevant environment—to TRL 7, where a system prototype is demonstrated in an operational environment. This progression represents a critical phase in the commercialization process of innovative materials.
1. Development of Laboratory Prototype and Initial Testing:
The team successfully created a laboratory-scale prototype of PACK’ON Ocean. Initial in-house testing yielded promising results, demonstrating that the material could potentially meet the required standards for marine biodegradability while maintaining the performance expected of packaging foils. This marked a foundational milestone in the project, confirming the viability of the concept in controlled conditions.
2. Industrial Prototype Production:
Building on the success of the lab prototype, the next key activity involves scaling the production to create an industrial prototype. This phase is crucial for testing the feasibility of producing the material using standard industrial processes and ensuring consistency in quality and performance at a larger scale.
3. Food Safety Testing and Certification:
Given that the packaging foil is intended for food applications, the project also includes rigorous food safety testing. Ensuring the material complies with food contact regulations is essential for market entry. Additionally, the project is working toward obtaining certifications confirming the product is both biobased and biodegradable, which are important credentials for eco-conscious consumers and businesses.
4. Advancement Toward Commercial Readiness (TRL7):
All these efforts are directed toward achieving TRL7, a stage where the product is demonstrated in an operational environment. This milestone indicates that PACK’ON Ocean is nearly ready for full commercialization, having been tested for technical viability, safety, environmental impact, and user acceptance.
To combat these interrelated issues, the project introduced PACK’ON Ocean, a marine biodegradable packaging foil. Initiated in mid-2020, this innovation is designed to biodegrade completely in cold salt water, directly addressing the problem of persistent plastic waste in marine environments. By focusing on the development of materials that naturally decompose in oceanic conditions, the project aims to reduce the long-term environmental footprint of packaging waste, mitigate the release of hazardous additives, and ultimately support healthier, more sustainable marine ecosystems.
In summary, the project focused on transforming a laboratory innovation into a market-ready, sustainable packaging solution through methodical development steps, rigorous testing, and strategic partnerships. The outputs include a lab-tested prototype, a roadmap to certification, pilot testing agreements with customers, and a clear pathway to market launch.
Summary of bilateral results
B’ZEOS (BZ) is a Norwegian green tech SME developing home-compostable packaging based on seaweed. B’ZEOS offers truly sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic researching and developing innovative material formulations and processing technologies. The company has contributed to the development of PACK''ON Ocean biodegradable foil through providing expertise and advice as well as testing and extensive reading and assessment of the results. It helped not only validate the product in a practical setting but also help initiate early adoption and build customer trust.