IQPAK® – New packaging system with best CO2 emission values

IQPAK® packaging combines the advantages of reusability and material recycling: a reusable based body is covered in a thin protective layer that will be recycled. The concept was developed at the renowned Fraunhofer LFB. According to the research institute, at least 70 percent of CO2 emissions can be saved compared to conventional packaging. Using the “to-go cup” application example, the independent ifeu Institute has now confirmed that the new packaging system performs even better than the reusable cup.

Oldenburg, 11.01.2024: Every German generates an average of 225 kilograms of packaging waste per year. This is because milk cartons, tins and yogurt pots end up in the bin directly after use. This not only wastes valuable resources. The production and disposal of packaging also generates CO2 emissions.

“Compared to existing packaging systems, IQPAK® achieves top values for CO2 emissions,” explains Dr. Christian Beinert, Head of the Plastics Processing and Component Design Department at the Fraunhofer Institute LBF. “Compared to composite beverage cartons, which already perform very well in terms of CO2 emissions, IQPAK® can reduce emissions by further 70 percent,” Beinert continues. Compared to other disposable packaging, the potential is even higher.

Reusable cup case study: Better than the best in class

In a report, the ifeu (Institut für Energie- und Umweltforschung Heidelberg) has critically examined the calculations of the Fraunhofer LBF using the case study of reusable to-go cups. “By eliminating the energy-intensive washing process, IQPAK® performs better in terms of the CO2 balance than reusable systems currently on the market,” says Benedikt Kauertz, Head of Industry and Products at ifeu. In Kauertz’s opinion, however, IQPAK® should not replace the established reusable systems. Instead, the expert sees great potential in the packaging of dairy products such as yoghurt, quark and desserts. This is because IQPAK® scores not only for its good environmental Life-cycle assessment but also for its high hygienic standards.

That’s why IQPAK® is the ecological and hygienic alternative

IQPAK® combines reusable and disposable components in an innovative way. The core of the packaging consists of a solid body that can be recycled. From inside, this “system layer” is covered with a thin, 100% recyclable film that hygienically encloses the contents. To protect the base body from contamination, it is also enclosed on the outside by a protective layer, the handling layer.

The three elements can be easily separated for recycling: The base body remains in the cycle, while the inner and outer shells are recycled. Because the protective layers are very thin, large quantities of waste are avoided compared to disposable products.

But that’s not the only advantage of IQPAK®: an NFC chip is integrated into the packaging, on which information about the material and batch is stored digitally. This increases the circulation rate and also makes it possible to recycle the disposable components by type. IQPAK® is suitable for all packaging with a capacity of up to one liter.

Washing with hot water – reusable is not always better

When comparing IQPAK® with purely reusable cups, the energy required to wash the reusable cups had to be compared with the material used for the disposable components in IQPAK®. Rinsing 1,000 cups generates around twelve kilograms of CO2e. In contrast, the material costs for IQPAK®are only 3.8 kilograms. Even if the thin plastic coating of the IQPAK® cup is not recycled but thermally recycled, this only generates 7.4 kilograms of CO2e for 1,000 cups. “Even with conservative assumptions throughout, IQPAK® has a lower impact on the balance sheet,” explains Kauertz from ifeu.

IQPAK®: Transferring to series production with partners

IQPAK® was developed by Löning & Partner, a specialist in the circular economy, together with the Plastics Division of the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF. “We are on the right track, as confirmed by the ifeu report,” explains Johann Löning, founder and owner of Löning & Partner. “We are currently looking for an anchor investor to jointly transfer IQPAK® to series production,” says Löning. “The market and the potential applications for IQPAK® are huge, as confirmed time and again by leading experts,” continues Löning.

Further information can be found at www.iqpak.com