Paper manufacturer BillerudKorsnäs and researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden are making paper batteries a reality, paving the way for energy storage in packaging materials.
Image: Researchers are working to develop commercial paper battery. Photo: courtesy of BillerudKorsnäs.
The three-year collaboration, which started in 2017, aims to further develop Uppsala University’s research knowledge to create energy storage in fiber structures by coating cellulosic fibers with electrically conductive polymers, for use in industrial production and packaging development.
As part of the work, the team has conducted basic research based on pure cellulose from algae and developed it to work with the same type of BillerudKorsnäs’ fiber material which is used for manufacturing packaging material.
The firm said that the development would result in production of both inexpensive and eco-friendly paper batteries for applications in areas such as smart packaging.
BillerudKorsnäs innovation project manager Lars Sandberg said: “What’s special in this case is the model for collaboration between BillerudKorsnäs and Uppsala University that has resulted in technology adapted to large-scale production processes.
“We’re combining the deep theoretical expertise of the researchers with our understanding of innovation and production technology. By successfully creating a joint platform, we can focus our work on the future, on creating an advanced product that can still be produced in an effective way.”
The paper battery, which is expected to open up possibilities for developing smart and more sustainable packaging, can be used in application such as for measuring temperature or position in real time and provide information of the item during transport.
BillerudKorsnäs technical director Magnus Wikström said: “The paper battery is a key piece of the puzzle in efforts to produce smart packaging that requires small, sustainable power sources.
“By enabling this type of sustainable packaging, the work on the paper battery is fully in line with BillerudKorsnäs’ vision of challenging conventional packaging for a sustainable future.
“Storing energy in paper instead of in lithium batteries, for example, allows for bio-based batteries that can form part of a circular system, which provides major sustainability benefits.”
BillerudKorsnäs said in future it aims to use electrodes based on cellulose from wood fibre and make it possible to recycle batteries along with their boxes to create new boxes or paper batteries.
BillerudKorsnäs focuses on offering the packaging market sustainable materials and solutions that increase customers’ profitability and improve the environmental impact.