SustaPack: AI and Computer Vision Drive the Future of Sustainable Drinks Packaging
A groundbreaking multimillion-pound initiative is set to revolutionise the drinks packaging industry, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision to develop more sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic bottles.
The project, known as SustaPack, has secured a substantial £1 million grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under UK Research and Innovation‘s (UKRI) co-investing programme.
The aim is to enhance the eco-friendly paper-based bottles produced by packaging firm Pulpex, pushing the boundaries of degradable packaging solutions.
Pulpex’s existing paper-based bottles, crafted from natural wood fibres, offer a viable alternative to conventional plastic packaging. A critical feature of these bottles is their multi-layered barrier coating, designed to prevent liquid leakage and block oxygen permeation.
However, SustaPack’s mission is to further refine these bottles by improving the efficiency of production processes – reducing energy and water consumption while simultaneously extending the shelf life of packaged goods.
The CEO of Pulpex emphasised that the SustaPack partnership represents a significant step forward in the journey towards sustainable packaging solutions. By advancing innovative methods, the project will support brand owners in achieving their Net-Zero targets while empowering consumers with more environmentally responsible choices.
Additionally, the initiative plays a crucial role in helping supply chains and retailers meet their carbon footprint reduction goals, a priority across the industry.
A key technological aspect of the project is its collaboration with the University of Surrey to develop real-time defect detection and correction systems using AI. Researchers will explore the feasibility of employing thermal imaging to identify imperfections in wet coatings as they form, allowing for immediate adjustments to maintain high production standards.
By integrating multi-scale mechanistic models, the team aims to pinpoint sources of non-uniformities and defects, ensuring optimal performance of the packaging.
The innovative use of AI-powered computer vision is central to SustaPack’s ambition of achieving 100% reliability in bottle manufacturing. These intelligent systems will continuously monitor production lines, optimising materials and processes in real time.
What’s more, this technological advancement not only enhances efficiency but also ensures that every bottle meets stringent quality and sustainability standards.
According to a professor from the University of Surrey’s School of Mathematics and Physics, who is also a fellow of the Institute of Sustainability, the goal is to develop a pioneering dry spray coating process. This process will deposit food-safe, degradable coatings without relying on conventional wet application methods.
Since this technology is not yet commercially available, its successful implementation will mark a breakthrough in packaging science, significantly reducing plastic pollution and cutting carbon emissions from manufacturing.
To conclude, SustaPack stands as a testament to the transformative power of AI and cutting-edge research in tackling environmental challenges. By pushing the boundaries of sustainable packaging technology, the project not only supports a greener future but also paves the way for a new era of innovation in the packaging industry.
As businesses, researchers, and consumers collectively strive for sustainability, initiatives like SustaPack exemplify the vital role of technology in delivering solutions that balance environmental responsibility with commercial practicality.
News Credits: Multimillion-pound sustainable packaging project secures £1m grant
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