The COCOBIN project, coordinated by the University of Oulu (Finland), is testing a substance derived from birch bark, suberin, as an alternative to plastic.
Suberin is a natural compound that waterproofs tree bark by preventing water loss. Once extracted, it is applied to paper and cardboard to block the passage of water vapour, the main cause of degradation in packaged food.
The first test has been carried out. According to the researchers, the initial results are promising, but certain performance aspects still need to be confirmed under humid conditions. The recyclability of this material and its safety for food contact also still need to be demonstrated.