Circular Packaging Technologies and Systems - Bundled expertise from the paper & packaging industry

For the past two years, we - PTS, Fraunhofer IVV, and the two Chair of Processing Machines/ Processing Technology and Chair of Wood Technology and Wood-Based Bioeconomy at TUD - have been developing the Circular Packaging Technologies & Systems competence cluster. The aim of our cooperation is to pool our expertise in an Impulse Lab at TU Dresden.

What moves us: Rethinking packaging

The packaging industry has long since achieved the status of system relevance due to its importance for production and retail logistics. Global merchandise management requires effective and efficient protection of raw materials, semi-finished products and products at every stage of the value chain. The diversity of requirements for the protection of goods has led to a variety of solutions using different materials in sometimes complex material combinations. The transfer of these heterogeneous packaging materials into functioning, economically and ecologically sustainable cycles represents a central challenge that exceeds the capacities of individual specialized facilities or companies.

👉 We are facing a fundamental transformation: the increasing variety of materials and complex composite structures makes it difficult to return them to sustainable material cycles. Requirements in terms of resource efficiency, functionality and regulatory compliance are constantly increasing.

👉 We are convinced that the future of packaging lies in a holistic, systemic approach.

Our approach: Holistic along the entire cycle

The CPTS combines the technical expertise of the two Chairs of Wood Technology and Wood-Based Bioeconomy (HTB) and Processing Machines/ Processing Technology (VAT), the PTS - Institute for Fibers & Paper gGmbH and the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging (IVV).

🔄 This comprehensive system expertise enables us to analyze and further develop packaging systems throughout their entire life cycle. From the raw material base to recycling - paper, natural fiber-based materials, plastics and composite materials.

What we offer

🤝 We translate acute business needs into strategic research and transfer. We achieve this by fulfilling our core tasks:

Project-based collaboration
Long-term partnerships and strategies
Mutual exchange
Finding the right questions
Analyzing and specifying problems

Fraunhofer IVV

Food development and description
Development of multilayer functional materials for packaging, as well as derived barrier modeling and design
Food compliance of packaging materials, migration/permeation and exposure modeling for critical substances
Mechanical, solvent-based recycling processes for plastics and purity assessment
Multisensory evaluation of packaging and materials,
Processing methods and machine technology (forming, filling, joining, separating, internal machine transport incl. storage/de-storage and conveying of packaging material webs) with a focus on recyclate processing and processing of fiber-based materials
Hygienic machine design and cleaning technology

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PTS - Institute for Fibers & Paper gGmbH (100 employees)

🌿 Raw material preparation and fiber treatment for natural fibers
Fibre analysis, characterization and whole material development for wetlaid and airlaid processes
Semi-finished product development, production and testing
Surface refinement and finishing of natural fiber materials
🔄 Evaluation of the recyclability of fiber-based materials in the material cycle

Further information

Chair of Processing Machines/Processing Technology (18 employees)

Forming technology for fiber-based materials
⚙️ Active pairing technology: Interactions between working elements and processed material
Machine development: designing complex processing systems for high product quality
Drive and control systems: Optimization for highly dynamic processes
Cleaning technologies: Efficient, sustainable and hygienic cleaning processes
Processing technologies: Welding, sealing and processing of fiber-based materials
📈 Process optimization: increasing efficiency, flexibility and sustainability in production

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Chair of Wood Technology and Wood-Based Bioeconomy (44 employees)

🌱 Development of new renewable raw materials for sustainable packaging
Process development, raw material preparation, material characterization and production of molded fiber-based raw materials
Forming technology for fiber-based materials
Utilization of regionally available agricultural residues in sustainable packaging solutions
Development, application and metrological evaluation of barriers and assessment of the recyclability of composite materials
Fibre analysis and characterization

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