Beverage crates are an established mass product made of fossil-based plastic. However, due to their multiple use as a reusable product with a long life cycle, they are particularly suitable for the use of bio-based materials. The potential for reducing CO₂ emissions in logistics during the use phase of the beverage crates is high.

The aim of the research project is to develop beverage crates made of bio-based plastic in order to reduce their ecological footprint compared to fossil-based plastic. At the same time, the material must be economically viable. In this way, fossil resources are to be conserved during the production (material substitution) as well as the use phase (lightweight construction during transport) in order to sustainably reduce CO₂ emissions. For this purpose, the box is made of predominantly renewable raw materials and bio-based plastics as well as cellulose-based fibres are used. In addition, the substitution of the fossil material by bio-based material will lead to a weight saving, which means a reduction of the raw material demand.

• Project title: Öko2Box - Development of an ecological and economical beverage box
• Funding: Project management Jülich (PTJ)
• Sponsorship: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
• Project partners: IfBB - Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites, fritz-kulturgüter® GmbH, Delbrouck GmbH, Application Centre for Wood Fibre Research HOFZET® of the Fraunhofer WKI
• Project management: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea Siebert-Raths
• Funding code: 031B1251C
• Duration: 01.07.2022 - 30.06.2025

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrea Siebert-Raths, andrea.siebert-raths@hs-hannover.de