Noriware takes significant strides in advancing bio-based packaging materials

Bio-based products such as bioplastics, biotextiles or recycled paperboard are often considered green products. However, their production process can be very resource demanding with a large impact on the environment. To reduce such impacts and strengthen bio-based industries across Europe, Aarhus University is heading a major new international research project, bi0SpaCE, aimed at optimizing circular production, enhance digital transparency and bolster the global competitiveness of the entire region. The project is being funded with DKK 22.4 million (€3 million) from the EU framework programme for research and innovation, Horizon Europe. 

As part of the bi0SpaCE project, participating partners are developing open-access digital product passports to ensure that bio-based materials, like their plastic-free packaging made from seaweed, truly deliver on their environmental promise. Bio-based industries contribute approximately €810 billion to the EU economy and employ around 3.6 million people. By enhancing their competitiveness and developing circular bio-based products to replace fossil-based alternatives, these industries could significantly support the green transition of European industries. The bioSpaCE project aims to drive this transformation by pioneering digital twin-based solutions and creating an open-access platform for digital product passports, which contain validated sustainability and circularity information, ultimately acting as a catalyst for realizing circular bio-based industries across Denmark and Europe.

Noriware, founded in 2022 by Jessica Farda and Stefan Grieder, is making a major contribution to the project. The material science company specializes in developing sustainable, seaweed-based alternatives to traditional plastic packaging. Their mission is to revolutionize the packaging industry by providing home-compostable and mechanically functional substitutes for plastic films. By using advanced processing technologies, noriware creates seaweed-based solutions that are 100% bio-based and designed to degrade harmlessly in the environment. They collaborate with industry partners to offer scalable technologies that empower companies to switch to sustainable alternatives. Noriware’s products, such as Norifilm and Noricup, aim to replace single-use plastics with materials that function like plastic but without the environmental harm. 

This news comes shortly after noriware entered a partnership with SCHELLING AG, a leader in paper and cardboard packaging innovation to introduce seaweed windows, liners, and coatings to the industry. The partnership combines noriware’s seaweed-based films with SCHELLING’s expertise in paper and cardboard packaging to create something truly special; together, the companies are introducing seaweed windows, liners, and coatings that not only look great but are also functional and fully sustainable. The solution can be easily integrated into existing production processes and are completely recyclable within paper systems, as Jessica Farda explained. The pilot phase with selected customers will start soon, with the launch scheduled for Q3 2025.

(RAN)