VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and LUT University have developed cellulose-based film and coating materials that are said to deliver barrier performance comparable to conventional plastics. The pilot-scale demonstrations were completed across multiple packaging applications in March 2026 as part of the F3 Films for Future project.

According to the organizations, the materials can be processed as polymers rather than fibers, producing transparent films with oxygen transmission rates below 1 cc/m²/day at 23°C and 50% relative humidity. Barrier coatings are said to have achieved oxygen transmission rates below 0.2 cc/m²/day and KIT 12 grease resistance in recyclable fiber-based packaging structures. The organizations also stated that the materials have demonstrated compatibility with conventional converting processes, including thermoforming.

The development is intended to address regulatory requirements associated with the European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which introduces stricter expectations regarding recyclability, material composition and lifecycle impact. The regulation includes thresholds that limit plastic content in fiber-based materials to below 5% by weight.

Ali Harlin, research professor at VTT, said, “Plastic films are one of the most widely used packaging formats, yet they are among the most difficult to recycle and a major source of persistent environmental pollution. Cellulose materials open new sustainable pathways for packaging.”

The next phase of the project will focus on scaling the technology toward commercial applications in dry food, bakery products and fiber-based packaging formats requiring transparent barrier layers. The project involved 34 industrial partners and received funding from the European Regional Development Fund.