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Wood foam could replace plastic in packaging
Mixtures such as lignin, wood fibre and laponite have been found to produce a foam that resists shock and humidity. Image: Mikko Raskinen

Wood foam could replace plastic in packaging

Publicerat 11 June, 2021

Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have created a bio-based material with wood-like properties that could replace styrofoam and bubble wrap. One of the mixtures that seems successful contains lignin, wood fiber and laponite.

The research team in Finland has utilised artificial intelligence to produce a new material suitable to replace plastic in packaging. They are now looking to optimise the properties by exploring different material mixtures and production methods, such as extrusion and web formation.

A mixture of lignin, wood fibre and laponite, for example, has been found to produce a foam that resists shock and humidity, making it a viable alternative to plastic. The material is remarkably similar to cork, only dozens of times lighter.

If the team succeeds in demonstrating that the material is both fire safe and humidity resistant, its strength, lightness and heat insulation properties would also make it suitable for insulating buildings.

Read more here.