Origami-Style Sustainable Packagings

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, in collaboration with Aalto University and Finnish industrial partners, has developed a new technology for shaping cardboard in a unique continuous process to create reel-to-reel, origami-inspired structures for fiber-based packaging materials. The origami folds yield entirely new properties from cardboard, resulting in lightweight, durable, and visually appealing alternatives to conventional protective packing materials like plastic and expanded polystyrene. This innovative approach not only reduces the carbon footprint of packaging but also addresses global sustainability issues such as microplastic pollution.

The FOLD and FOLD2 projects, involving 13 different companies, organizations, and universities, have successfully demonstrated the potential of this technology. The mechanical folding process replicates intricate hand-folding techniques, ensuring consistent precision and quality. The resulting packaging material is flexible, versatile, and sustainable, with the capacity to be produced from recycled goods. This breakthrough offers a promising solution for the expanding market of packaging materials driven by e-commerce, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Image Credit: VTT