The objective of this scheme is to investigate the potential of novel polymer technologies to the packaging industry, by offering low cost, pre-competitive research projects.

These short projects, of 3 - 6 weeks duration, are sponsored by a cluster of interested companies sharing the development costs.

To find out more about this exciting new possibility, please complete the form (pdf document at the foot of this page), indicating your main areas of interest.

A short list of current project proposals is provided below:

PROJECT 1: Odour/perfume release from dendrimers and/or hyperbranched polymers

Employing dendrimer and hyperbranched polymers (currently used for encapsulating pharmaceutical products) to deliver odours into packaging materials that could be released over time to enhance the customer perception of the product.

PROJECT 2: Utilising polymer nanostructure to optimise barrier properties

Using nanotechnology to manipulate polymer surfaces to optimise barrier performance.

PROJECT 3: Creating value through smart/responsive polymers

The properties of smart polymers change in response to an external stimuli (light, pH, temperature, etc.). Applied to packaging these materials might monitor the condition or storage conditions of the product, act as security/anti-counterfeit devices, and sensors.

PROJECT 4: Self-organising polymers for new effects

Self-organisation in certain polymers can be exploited to create colour effects, encapsulation, or specific surface/interface properties.

PROJECT 5: Electronics in packaging

A power source, LED or memory device? - Which aspects of polymer electronics can be profitably deployed by the packaging industry now?

Find out more:

Investigation of polymer technologies for packaging (pdf article, 200 KB).