Researchers in Finland advance 100% cellulose-based alternative to plastic packaging

Researchers in Finland have developed a cellulose-based material platform designed to support efforts to reduce plastic use in packaging while meeting evolving regulatory and performance requirements.

The technology, developed by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and LUT University through the F3 – Films for Future project, focuses on fully cellulose-based films and coatings intended for packaging applications. The materials are designed to offer transparency, barrier performance and mechanical properties comparable to conventional plastics, while providing alternative end-of-life options including recycling and biodegradation.

According to the research organisations, the development comes as packaging producers face increasing pressure to reduce plastic content and improve recyclability in response to regulations such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Emerging requirements around material composition and recycled content are also influencing the development of alternative packaging materials.

The F3 platform enables cellulose to be processed as a polymer rather than in its traditional fibre form, resulting in transparent films suitable for packaging applications. Researchers said the materials can be manufactured using existing converting technologies and integrated into established recycling systems or biodegradation pathways, depending on the intended use.

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. At the same time, we are working with manufacturers to help them meet evolving regulatory requirements while maintaining product protection, shelf life, and process efficiency. Cellulose materials open new sustainable solutions for packaging.

Ali Harlin, Research Professor at VTT and one of the leading coordinators of the F3 project.

The project builds on advances in cellulose dissolution and regeneration technologies and has demonstrated compatibility with conventional processing methods, including thermoforming. This is intended to support adoption within existing industrial manufacturing infrastructure.

Completed in March 2026, the project demonstrated the production of cellulose-based films and coatings at pilot scale across a range of potential applications. The films are being evaluated as standalone packaging materials, while the coatings are intended to provide barrier functionality within fibre-based packaging structures.

Researchers reported that the films achieved oxygen barrier performance with an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) below 1 cc/m²/day at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. The coatings delivered oxygen barrier performance below 0.2 cc/m²/day and grease resistance rated at KIT 12 within fibre-based packaging systems.

Beyond plastic reduction, the organisations said the material platform could support additional functionality in future packaging applications, including antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, as well as environmentally responsive features capable of reacting to factors such as humidity, gas composition or pH levels.

Value chain adoption of these platforms is essential for the ongoing transition towards fully renewable and recyclable technologies. We see chemistry as the key enabler for this transition.

Mats Berg, Sr Principal Scientist, Discovery & Innovation at Kemira.

The next stage of development will focus on scaling the technology towards commercial deployment. Initial target applications include dry food packaging, bakery products and fibre-based packaging formats requiring transparent barrier coatings.

Further research is expected to address barrier performance under humid conditions and explore the integration of multiple functionalities within a single material system, including potential digital and sensor-enabled packaging applications.