Biomass side stream valorization into sustainable packaging materials
A proprietary, chemical-free process that converts biomass side streams — such as citrus peels and apple pomace — into strong, water-resistant, food-safe packaging materials. Cost-effective and scalable, the process can displace rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible packaging products while creating value from waste streams.
Overview
Keon Research has developed a proprietary process that valorizes biomass side streams into sustainable packaging materials with strong, water-resistant, and food-safe properties. The technology has been successfully demonstrated on citrus peels and apple pomace, and is adaptable to a broad range of other biomass waste streams. This enables organizations to convert low-value byproducts into commercially viable packaging products, addressing both waste management and sustainable packaging needs.
Technical specifications
The process requires minimal inputs — notably, no additional chemicals — making it extremely cost-effective to operate. It can be scaled from small to industrial production levels with a reasonable return on investment for capital expenditure. The materials produced can displace a broad range of packaging formats, including:
- Rigid packaging such as shells and trays/punnets
- Semi-rigid packaging including cardboard boxes
- Flexible packaging, such as flex films
Keon Research supports each engagement end-to-end, combining market analytics, intellectual property strategy, and technical research. Services include validating the process on client-specific waste streams in an in-house R&D facility, producing sample materials and applications for evaluation, developing proof-of-principle data packages, and building product development roadmaps and commercialization strategies.
Technology readiness level
The process has been validated at laboratory scale on citrus peels and apple pomace, demonstrating proof of concept for both material properties and economic viability. A phased validation program is planned to test the process on additional client-specific waste streams, with subsequent phases covering market studies, business case development, engineering and pilot production to prove scale-up potential, and ultimately full-scale production deployment.
About Keon Research
Keon Research is an innovation consultancy that specializes in helping clients identify and develop new technology solutions. The company integrates market analytics, intellectual property strategy, and technical research to uncover innovation opportunities. Their internal process includes ideation, rigorous evaluation, and rapid prototyping in an in-house lab. This approach allows them to deliver well-defined solutions, including proof-of-principle data packages, product development roadmaps, and commercialization strategies.
The firm serves clients by solving complex formulation and research challenges, such as their work in formulation stabilization using high-throughput screening and machine learning models for the food and sensory science industries. By bridging the gap between initial concepts and commercial readiness, Keon Research supports partners in mitigating risk and optimizing functionality before moving to full-scale product development. Their work has been applied to various projects, including the stabilization of natural colorants across numerous stock-keeping units.
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