May 01, 2024
Specialist internship Lisa Schulz
Two packaging trays made from alfalfa hay are shown. On the left a fraction with long stalks was used (1 - 3 cm), on the right a finely broken down fraction with short particles (3 mm).
Development of compostable packaging from alfalfa hay: Investigations of pulping and processing methods at Vorwerk Podemus
| Submission date |
05/2024 |
|
Author |
Lisa Schulz |
|
Supervisor |
Dipl.-Ing. Holger Unbehaun |
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Research group/ Internship company |
Wood-based materials & insulation materials / |
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Keywords |
alfalfa hay, utilization of agricultural residues, packaging |
Aim
The work develops a producer-oriented method for processing alfalfa hay for the production of dimensionally stable packaging. A drying plant, straw mill and drum pre-cleaner are used for particle separation. The result is a dual use: the protein-rich fraction is used for animal feed, while the straw-rich fraction is used as packaging material. Mechanical tests on test plates and molded bodies show good results. Material screening identified a suitable material with a stalk width of 1-2 mm and a stalk length of 3-10 mm. Forming into packaging shapes is successful, but there is still a need for optimization in terms of fleece moisture and corner joints.