FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PaperBioPack.eu is an integrated virtual network platform of technology and business innovation service providers in the area of sustainable paper-bioplastics packaging solutions, or, to put it simply, we are here to help you in whatever questions you might have about paper-bioplastic packaging. PaperBioPack.eu is composed of experts in the field of innovative and sustainable packaging throughout the value chain. We have members in research institutions, packaging production industry, waste management and various support organisations like chambers of commerce and industrial clusters.

We will be more than happy to help you in any queries you may have - from basic questions about terminology, through assistance with possible applications of paper-bioplastic solutions, to full on pilot actions where we use the tools and services available on the PaperBioPack.eu platform to transform your company into an innovative provider of sustainable packaging solutions!

The founding members of PaperBioPack.eu were partners and the associate partners of Interreg Central Europe project BIOCOMPACK-CE. In fact PaperBioPack.eu initiative was one of the key outputs of the BIOCOMPACK-CE project. PaperBioPack.eu collects all the interesting outputs, tools and documents that we developed in the BIOCOMPACK-CE project - you can find them throughout our platform and they are free to use and distribute.

However PaperBioPack.eu is not a limited and closed project. We intend to grow and expand and would like to invite you to the initiative. If you share our vision and are interested in developing the paper-bioplastic innovative packaging solution, we would very much like to have you on board and grow PaperBioPack.eu further. Contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information. 

PaperBioPack.eu offers many different tools and documents that are free of charge and free to use. These tools were developed within the Interreg Central Europe BIOCOMPACK-CE project, but will be further refined within our PaperBioPack.eu platform. You can find them in the TOOLS section of the website. 

In addition you can also contact our members for more specific inquiries and paid services. You can find them in the ABOUT US section of the platform.

BIOCOMAPCK-CE was an Interreg Central Europe project that ran from 2018-2020.  The main project objective was to provide stronger linkages between R&D institutions and companies in the area of paper-plastics packaging solutions with the aim to introduce verified biodegradable materials in paper and cardboard packaging. The project had an innovative cross-sectoral approach and involved clusters, branch organizations and other stakeholders, that allowed to focus on regional economic specialisations and to speed up technology transfer. One of the main outputs of the project was to a Transnational Biocomposite Packaging Centre as a virtual RDI platform that brings together cross-sectoral capacities in paper and bioplastics, linked with regional innovation systems and the European Enterprise Network, supported by an integrated cross-sectoral business support service including a set of dedicated tools tested under pilot actions and disseminated among cluster coordinators and EEN consultants. This is the PaperBioPack.eu initiative. In addition BIOCOMPACK-CE created a Central European Strategy on biocomposite packaging innovation systems, a handbook: "Sustainable Paper-Plastic Design" and an audit tool that can help companies to quickly verify opportunities in the paper-bioplastic packaging industry. All of those documents and tools are also available on the PaperBioPack.eu platform. 

The founding members of PaperBioPack.eu were partners and the associate partners of Interreg Central Europe project BIOCOMPACK-CE. However PaperBioPack.eu is not a limited and closed project. We intend to grow and expand and would like to invite you to the initiative. If you share our vision and are interested in developing the paper-bioplastic innovative packaging solution, we would very much like to have you on board and grow PaperBioPack.eu further. Contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information. 

There are many ways in which you can interact with us, using different channels of communication provided on the ABOUT US section of the platform. However the easiest and quickest way of interacting with the network PaperBioPack.eu created is by using the discussion board that you can access on the BOARD section of our platform.

Choice of specific materials from the paper and bioplastics families is a very interesting but also very complex issue that depends on multiple conditions (such as required application, processing capabilities, material availability on your market, end of life design, budget etc.). 

To learn more about different materials, you can find a full training package on this issue on the TOOLS section of our platform, in the Training Packages category. If you would like to know more, please contact us directly on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or use our discussion BOARD. 

Choice of specific technologies from the paper and bioplastics families is a very interesting but also very complex issue that depends on multiple conditions (such as required application, processing capabilities, material availability on your market, end of life design, budget etc.). 

Biocomposite processing technologies include mainly paper lamination and extrusion coating. However, it is important to note that the choice of those processing technologies and additives used to prepare the biocomposite may affect the recyclability and compostability of the final product.

To learn more about different technologies you can start from browsing our training packages on the TOOLS section of our platform, in the Training Packages category. If you would like to know more, please contact us directly on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or use our discussion BOARD. 

The vision of the PaperBioPack.eu is to support the packaging industry within the frame of European circular economy thus contributing to sustainable development goals in all three pillars – environmental, social and economic. This vision can be achieved by an authentic and reliable network of experts that will promote innovation in using biodegradable and sustainable materials and bio-composites. 

To this end, PaperBioPack.eu will be an international virtual platform that creates strong linkages between companies and R&D Institutes, by facilitating an ever growing professional network and providing business support services.

The audit tool is a preliminary assessment aimed at check-up knowledge, strength/weakness of a company, already operating or intended to enter the field of biocomposites. The assessment serves to highlight opportunities that can be further developed with the assistance of the PaperBioPack.eu. Audit tool can be accessed in the TOOLS section of PaperBioPack.eu platform. If you would like to know more, please contact us directly on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or use our discussion BOARD. 

The TOOLS section of PaperBioPack.eu platform includes a number of useful support tools that are free to distribute and use. These include the Audit Tool and the Technological Feasibility tool, which are aiming to give a brief company profile in order to gain insight into the main parameters of the participating company.

In addition to that we propose field visits of the expert can also help to refine the given answers. With the personal discussion between the PaperBioPack.eu experts and the key representatives (employees with technical, financial production expertees) of the company, a tailor made solution can be provided as an end result of the business support service. If you would like to know more, please contact us directly on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or use our discussion BOARD. 

When using the business support tools it is crucial to use precise and accurate information in order to allow PaperBioPack.eu experts to gain an up-to date profile on the operation of the company. The questionnaires are accessible online on the PaperBioPack.eu platform in the TOOLS section. To have a successful evaluation of the provided data, the expert should gain insight into the company's infrastructure, technical and financial environment.

There are currently no plans to use PaperBioPack.eu platform as an advertising channel, however you can express the willingness to join our network. This way your contact details will be displayed on the ABOUT US section. You can also use the discussion forum and be active there in discussions and therefore indirectly advertise your company and your offered services. 

Certification of paper and bioplastics packaging/solutions is a very interesting but also very complex endeavour. To learn more about certification you can find a full training package on this issue on the TOOLS section of our platform, in the Training Packages category. If you would like to know more, please contact us directly on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or use our discussion BOARD. 

Testing of your packaging/solution is possible after addressing members of PaperBioPack according to your requirements for packaging properties.

The PaperBioPack.eu platform provides the possibility to get in contact with our experts of innovative packaging solutions. Depending on the type and concept of the solution, with the cooperation of our experts the solution can be even tested at a set location. If you would like to know more, please contact us directly on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or use our discussion BOARD. 

Yes, you probably need to test your new packaging/solution regarding the requirements of expected practical application. It is possible to test physical-mechanical properties, gas and water vapour permeability, biodegradability and compostability. In case, you have only a proposal of a new type of combined biodegradable plastic/paper packaging, there is possibility of processing technology conditions adjustment in semi-industrial and industrial rate. If you would like to know more, please contact us directly on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., choose a member of PaperBioPack.eu platform that provides testing services you need, or simply use our discussion BOARD, and we will help you from there.

Value chain of the biocomposite packaging industry is very large. Experts of the PaperBioPack.eu platform identified the following important actors of the value chain:

Raw material extractors/providers (oil/fossil fuels extractors, refineries, forest owners, sawmills), packaging materials producers (polymer producers, paper mills, film producers, granulate producers, material processing equipment producers), design and packaging production and packaging (designers, producers of packaging and the packed products, printing offices, co-packers), warehousing and logistics (logistics centres, transport companies warehouses), distribution and sales (retailers incl. supermarkets, wholesalers, product producers, import/export companies), waste management (recyclers, recovery organisations, local and national administration, producers and end users) and finally support actors (energy providers, research institutes, chambers of commerce, QA/QM, marketing/PR, lobbying organisations, NGO’s, consumer organisations and public authorities).

More information about the value chain of biocomposite packaging can be found in the TOOLS section of PaperBioPack.eu platform. 

You can find the information about the state of the biocomposite packaging industry and value chain of Interreg Central Europe BIOCOMPACK-CE project countries in the TOOLS section of PaperBioPack.eu platform. 

There are numerous challenges of biocomposite packaging, however the main challenge identified is to achieve a higher sustainability of the final products without sacrificing performance and circular economy. You can find more on this topic on the TOOLS section of PaperBioPack.eu platform, more specifically in the Training Packages and Biocomposite Packaging Strategy created by PaperBioPack.eu experts. 

Market of biocomposite packaging is similar to the market of the packaging as a whole, however there are some key aspects that differentiate the biocomposite packaging industry. PaperBioPack.eu platform contains a wealth of information about the market and the industry. You can find more information about the market in the TOOLS section of the PaperBioPack.eu platform, more specifically in the report on biocomposite market and value chain.

There are many interesting ongoing innovations happening in the biocomposite packaging industry at the moment. Most notable being development of nanofibers technology, development of PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and chitosan. 

Nanofibres can be generated from different polymers, but at the same time have  different physical characteristics and also application potentials. Nanofiber can not only be compostable, but also recyclable with conversion paper. The product is already well-known by science, but is becoming more accessible on the market.

PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) are polyesters produced in nature by numerous microorganisms. Their interest lies in their biodegradability and potential to create effective bioplastics with novel properties that can be easily mixed with paper in packaging applications.

The use of chitosan, originating from shells of shrimp and other crustaceans has several commercial and biomedical possibilities, besides agriculture it can be used in a self-healing polyurethane paint coating as well. You can learn more about other interesting developments throughout PaperBioPack.eu.

PaperBioPack.eu experts within the framework of Interreg Central Europe BIOCOMPACK-CE project developed a specific and detailed strategy on biocomposite packaging. The strategy is available on the TOOLS section of the PaperBioPack.eu platform. The document starts with an analysis of the current situation. It first outlines the background context explaining why we believe that changes in multimaterial products and packaging are needed. Then the specific situation in Central Europe is discussed, looking at the different sectors involved. Basic challenges of development are defined and critical issues throughout the value chain are analysed. The analysis is followed by ‘Our View’ and a discussion of desired outcome defining long-term and short-to-medium term goals. The document is concluded with two specific Implementation scenarios that would lead to the desired change.

The strategy represents a possible view on how positive change in multi material packaging could be achieved within the given conditions found in Central Europe. It is intended to help stakeholders and policy-makers to define their specific strategies.

PaperBioPack is an integrated virtual network platform of technology and business innovation service providers in the paper-bioplastic packaging field. As such we do not have a specific schedule of fees. There are many tools and resources that you can use free of charge (developed within the Interreg Central Europe BIOCOMPACK-CE project) - those you can find in the TOOLS section of the website. In addition you can also contact our members for more specific inquiries. You can find them in the ABOUT US section of the platform.

PaperBioPack is an integrated virtual network platform of technology and business innovation service providers in the paper-bioplastic packaging field. There are many tools and resources that you can use free of charge (developed within the Interreg Central Europe BIOCOMPACK-CE project) - those you can find in the TOOLS section of the website. 

If you require more help with those tools and/or have any other specific queries about the PaperBioPack.eu platform feel free to contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Alternatively we can refer you to the ABOUT US section, which features information about each of our members along with their simplified field of interest and services offered and full contact details.

PaperBioPack is an integrated virtual network platform of technology and business innovation service providers in the paper-bioplastic packaging field. There are many tools and resources that you can use free of charge (developed within the Interreg Central Europe BIOCOMPACK-CE project) - those you can find in the TOOLS section of the website.