CartonLID
Innovative process and machine development for the efficient production of cardboard screw lids as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic
The European Union offers a variety of funding programs to support research and education as a valuable public good. Our project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Table of contents
Brief description
Traditionally, glass packaging for food and luxury foods such as nut nougat cream, spreads, spice mixes, coffee and cocoa are sealed with plastic screw lids. However, these conventional closures contribute significantly to environmental pollution. In Germany alone, the market for plastic closures generates around 1.4 billion euros annually and consumes 70 million tons of plastic. The associated use of fossil raw materials causes a considerable amount of packaging waste that pollutes our ecosystem. Therefore, the packaging industry worldwide is looking for more environmentally friendly alternatives such as cardboard.
The research project aims to develop sustainable screw lids made from cardboard. These environmentally friendly closures are intended to reduce the ecological disadvantages of plastic lids through their biodegradability and can be seamlessly integrated into existing recycling cycles. We will to develop an innovative mechanical process for the production of cardboard screw caps and their integration into existing packaging machines. The aim is to create an environmentally friendly, economical and industrially producible alternative to plastic screw lids that meets market requirements and represents a significant advance on existing technologies.
The development and production of cardboard screw lids could reduce dependence on fossil raw materials and support EU sustainability goals. For the Saxon industry, the project offers the opportunity to pioneer in the production of environmentally friendly packaging solutions, to open up new market potential and to make an important contribution to the ecological transformation of the packaging industry.
Project duration
Zeitraum: 01.08.2024-31.07.2027
Project partnerships
Gebrüder Leonhardt GmbH & Co KG Blema Kircheis (BLEMA for short) is an internationally oriented company in special machine construction for metal and cardboard composite packaging. With 150 years of experience and deep-rooted regional ties to Saxony and Germany, BLEMA has extensive expertise in one of the oldest engineering disciplines. BLEMA machines are characterized by their future-oriented innovative strength and ultra-modern systems.
Contact us
© Nils Eisfeld
Processing Systems
NameDipl.-Ing. André Hofmann
Forming of fibre-based Materials
Send encrypted email via the SecureMail portal (for TUD external users only).
© Michael Kretzschmar
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jens-Peter Majschak
Send encrypted email via the SecureMail portal (for TUD external users only).
Visiting address:
ZIN Main Building, ZIN 103 Bergstr. 120
01069 Dresden
Postal address:
TUD Dresden University of Technology
Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering,
Institute for Natural Materials Technology
01062 Dresden