Belfast is set to be the centre for a potential revolution in plastic-free sustainable packaging.
Queen’s University Belfast are planning a major three year research project looking at new biodegradable materials that can be 3D printed, used and reused as protective packaging, and disposed of as compost for food.
Most current packaging materials such as expanded polystyrene are not compostable or reusable.
At this week’s Belfast City Council meeting of the People and Communities Committee (Tuesday August 10th), council officers revealed the plan, as well as a request from the university for support from the local authority’s Recycling Outreach Team.
Queen’s, in partnership with the University of Southampton, are in the final stages of applying for funding from the UK Government to carry out the project.
The council report states: “The project aims to develop novel foams that can be 3D printed into custom protective packaging for transporting products, e.g. in e-commerce. The foam materials will be biomass-derived and degradable into useful end-products so that they can be used in a circular and sustainable way (e.g. producing compost for growing food).
“The ultimate aim would be to develop a replacement to current packaging materials like expanded polystyrene, which are not recyclable or made from renewable resources.”
The report states Belfast Council will be “providing input on requirements to bring new sustainable protective packaging solutions into use from the perspective of municipal waste management systems, and the associated public policies and education.”
The council will also give feedback on the project, hold surveys and workshops, link the university to waste management and processing companies, and promote public outreach and education activities.
A council officer told elected representatives: “The project cuts across a number of Belfast City Council objectives, and is quite an interesting piece of work.”
