Bio-based resins and extrusion technologies for rigid plastic packaging applications | Materials

Bio-based resins and extrusion technologies for rigid plastic packaging applications

Background
What we're looking for
What we can offer you
Who we are
Q&A

Have questions about this request?

Get them answered by the team at Altium Packaging.

Background

Altium Packaging has a proven track record in manufacturing rigid plastic packaging in a variety of resins and markets and manufacturing platforms.

These include bottles and containers for household chemicals, agricultural chemicals, automotive products, food and beverages. These also include caps and closures.

Our B2B customers are asking about sustainable solutions that can be manufactured using our existing processes. Our goal is thus to identify bio-based resins that we can effectively leverage in our various manufacturing platforms, which include: injection molding, extrusion blow molding (EBM), injection blow-molding (IBM), injection stretch blow-molding (ISBM).

What we're looking for

Altium is seeking bio-based resins for plastic packaging. We are also interested in polymer extrusion tooling and extrusion technologies that effectively process bio-based resins. Ideally, the solution would be suitable for use in rigid plastic packaging (bottles, preforms, caps & closures, etc.) or flexible packaging.

Solutions of interest include:

Bio-based resins for plastic packaging
Polymer extrusion tooling and extrusion technologies that improve the manufacturing process when using bio-based resins

Our must-have requirements are:

There are multiple ways to achieve the desired objective:
Bio-based resins that can be used 100% (as a replacement for traditional resins) are preferred. These may be derived from plants and other renewable agricultural, marine, and forestry materials
Polymer blends (with other resins such as HDPE, PET or PP) featuring at least 30% bio-based resins are also in scope
Multilayer solutions containing at least 30% bio-based resins are also in scope
If the solution is a blend, it should be compatible with PET #1, HDPE #2 or PP #5 resin identification code (RIC)

Our nice-to-have's are:

A solution that is highly collectable and recyclable in existing recycling streams for HDPE, PET or PP
Cost parity with existing resins
Does not impact organoleptic or sensory attributes of content
Capable of receiving approval for FDA food contact authorization
Technology Readiness Level: We are seeking a solution that falls within Level 3-7, but a wider range may be considered

What's out of scope:

Any non-recyclable materials
Petroleum-based resins
Compostable solutions (if they introduce additives or materials that may be detrimental to the recycle stream)
Biodegradable solutions (if they introduce additives or materials that may be detrimental to the recycle stream)
Resins made from non-renewable resources

Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL):

Levels 3-7

What we can offer you

Eligible partnership models:

Sponsored researchCo-developmentSupply/purchaseLicensing

Benefits:

Sponsored Research

A range of $25,000 - $100,000 USD is available for a proof-of-concept and development in 2024, with a potential for follow-on funding.

Facilities and Services

Altium will consider using various extrusion blow-molding machines for sampling purposes at an Altium facility or trusted 3rd party vendor. Number of trials and locations TBD based on the proposal.

Who we are

Altium provides stock and custom design, development and manufacturing of plastic containers, closures and packaging materials. With over 500 stock molds and our state-of-the-art Studio PKG design studio, we elevate our customers’ brands through innovative packaging solutions. Our customer portfolio ranges from 1 ounce to 5 gallons and serves a variety of industries.

We are staffed with professional scientists, engineers, and technicians who are experts in solving packaging challenges. Our state-of-the-art laboratory performs hundreds of on-site analytical and performance tests with cutting edge equipment to ensure our customers’ bottles are Always Made Right®.

Learn more

Reviewers

Joe Palmer

Technical Fellow

Khosrow Hallaji

Senior Director of Technology and Innovations

John Manderfield

Innovation and Design Fellow

Q&A with Altium Packaging

The Q&A is now closed.

Sort by:

In your question you require compatibility with common fossil based plastics and compostable materials. These two do not match. Could you indicate if both are viable or which is most important

Karin Molenveld, Research Associate, Wageningen University and Research

October 5, 2023

Thanks for your interest Karin. In our posted opportunity, we set as Out of Scope the following: - Compostable solutions (if they introduce additives or materials that may be detrimental to the recycle stream) Does that clarify?