Finnish project advances cellulose packaging films

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and LUT University have developed fully cellulose-based film and coating materials capable of matching the barrier performance of conventional plastics, completing pilot-scale demonstrations across multiple packaging applications under the F3 Films for Future project in March 2026.

The materials can be processed as a polymer rather than a fiber, producing transparent films with oxygen transmission rates below 1 cc/m2/day at 23 deg C and 50 percent relative humidity, comparable to conventional plastic films. Barrier coatings achieved oxygen transmission rates below 0.2 cc/m2/day and KIT 12 grease resistance in recyclable fiber-based packaging systems. Processing compatibility has been demonstrated with conventional converting methods, including thermoforming.

The development targets regulatory pressure from the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which is tightening requirements around recyclability, material composition and lifecycle impact, including thresholds limiting plastic content to below 5 percent by weight in fiber-based materials.

'Plastic films are one of the most widely used packaging formats, yet they are among the most difficult to recycle and a major source of persistent environmental pollution,' said Ali Harlin, research professor at VTT. 'Cellulose materials open new sustainable pathways for packaging.'

Next steps will focus on scaling toward commercial applications in dry food, bakery and fiber-based packaging requiring transparent barrier layers. The project involved 34 industrial partners and was funded by the European Regional Development Fund.