Sustainable cellulose-based flexible packaging powered by artificial intelligence, machine learning and digital technologies

PackAhead will unleash the potential of cutting-edge AI and digitalisation technologies in a synthetic biology and sustainable packaging value chain. The project will accelerate enzyme design and will optimise the production of regenerated cellulose films to deliver high-performance, affordable, and environmentally responsible flexible packaging solutions demonstrated at TRL 7. PackAhead will decrease the production costs of the novel enzymes and bio-based packaging film with an end-to-end optimisation suite targeting a significant cost reduction compared with current fossil-based packaging films. Compostability, biodegradability and recyclability are key features of PackAhead’s packaging, which is designed to comply with all regulatory requirements, including the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. The exploitation strategy envisages commercial deployment of its digital tools and packaging products by 2032, with an initial flagship facility output of 28 kt per year and subsequent plants scaled up to 50 kt per year. PackAhead is designed to expand the impact of its trustworthy AI tools across broader bio-based industries by matching them with specific value chains beyond the synthetic biology and packaging sectors. These technically viable, economically sustainable, and socially responsible outcomes will be achieved by a consortium of 14 partners combining world-class expertise in AI, synthetic biology and industrial processing through international collaboration across 8 EU countries, South Korea and the USA, with advisory input from Japan and India.