Projects
The ZLV initiates and supports research projects along the value chain of industrial food production.
The current focus is on sustainable packaging concepts, new materials, recycling and knowledge platforms.
Are you interested in our current projects or are you looking for partnerships with us?
Contact us - we look forward to your impact.
Selected current projects
MoBiLe joint project
Joint project "MoBiLe" researches the product protection properties of transparent high-barrier films
The acronym "Mobile" stands for: monomaterialbarrier films with outstanding recycling properties for food.
The joint project aims to create a new type of film packaging whose base material chemically consists of just one single polymer (= monomaterial). In the spirit of "design for recycling", the aim is to ensure the best possible recyclability + optimum product protection. Specially produced polyolefin films are being developed with special coatings or coating processes for food packaging with high-barrier properties (ORMOCER®-based). The project is being funded by the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Home Affairs (BMELH) on the basis of a decision by the German Bundestag. The project is sponsored by the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE) as part of the programme to promote innovation.
Further information on the Mobile project can also be found on the project page of our partner Fraunhofer ISC
Circular Academy
The Circular Academy supports companies on the path to a circular economy
The transformation to a more sustainable, regenerative and resource-efficient economy presents companies with major challenges that can be overcome by establishing circular business models, among other things. With its online knowledge platform, the Circular Academy project supports companies on their path to green transformation by providing valuable knowledge and practical insights into the circular economy.
The challenges and opportunities of a circular, resource-efficient economy require innovative approaches. The Circular Academy project provides tools, helpful links and a toolbox for the successful implementation of circular business models that will help you to have a positive impact on the environment, utilise resources more effectively and achieve economic success at the same time. Happy exploring and implementing.
In a series of podcasts , experts talk about innovative approaches to sustainable resource management.
Listen to: Circular Academy Podcast ZLV Thomas Lux
Further information on the Circular Academy can be found on the project homepage
Biomass2Food
Processing of alternative biomass for the food industry
Our vision is a food system that enables all people to have a healthy diet in the long term and at the same time is in harmony with our environment and nature. Our current food system is already in a state of flux, but animal rather than plant-based products continue to dominate the market. This is no longer solely due to quality or flavour, as many products are almost indistinguishable in terms of these characteristics. The biggest challenge at present is the price, which is partly due to the difficulty of up-scaling, as well as the Novel Food Regulation. The aim of the network is therefore to increase the profitability of plant-based products by developing scalable, innovative processing methods for alternative biomass. This network also aims to further sensitise the public.
We are a partner of our ZLV member EurA AG in this ZIM project.
Further information on Biomass2Food can be found on the project homepage
Biobarrier4Fibre
Multifunctional bio-based water vapour barrier coatings for fibre-based packaging
The "BioBarrier4Fiber" project aims to develop a novel coating concept for fibre-based food packaging that combines a water vapour barrier with high flexibility, processability and sealability for the first time. This multifunctional coating system is to be produced from various suberin fatty acids (SFA) obtained from the cork of oak and beech trees in Germany and Turkey. The suitability of suberin fatty acids for this purpose can be derived from their chemical composition, which consists of highly functional, polymerisable aliphatic acids of variable length and structure, and from their role in nature as a hydrophobic polyester that forms a protective layer around the periderm of plants. With "BioBarrier4Fibre", this function is now also to be used for packaging.
As a member of the Industry Advisory Board, the ZLV is supporting this international project funded by the CORNET initiative of our partners and ZLV members, the Fraunhofer IVV and the Industrievereinigung für Lebensmitteltechnologie und Verpackung e.V. - IVLV.
Further information on Biobarrier4Food can be found on the project page of the Fraunhofer IVV.