Bio-Lacquer Tests And
Environmental Impact

Cutin from the walls of the acid tank

The GC-MS analysis showed that the degree of purity of cutin was very high; in fact the concentration of the 10.16 dihydroxydecanoic acid, the main component of tomato cutin, was 70-80%.

The process set-up at a pilot plant level was very efficient, in fact the average extraction yield was high, about 10-15%. The process developed is ecofriendly, since no organic solvents are used, but only aqueous solution at different pH values (acidic and basic).

Bio-lacquer industrial production

About 3000 tin cans made up of 3 pieces and weighing 0.5 kg each and their TFS ends have been produced on industrial line. The cans have been filled with lentils and Borlotti beans, tomato sauce and pulp, diced meat. A pack test has been organized at different storage temperature for 2 years.

The results are satisfactory and comparable to those of standard lacquers with all the products, thus highlighting the real and possible use of lacquer for metal food-contact packaging.

Positive environmental impact

Bio-Resin Analysys

To standardize the extraction procedure, the bio-resin has been analyzed in relation to its unit and monomeric composition, through different analytical techniques, FTIR (Infrared Spectroscopy), GPC (Gel permeation Cromatography), GC-MS (Gas-Mass Spectroscopy).

The GPC analysis performed during the experimental work verified that the extraction process results in a partial depolymerization of the natural bio-polymer with an average molecular weight of 650 g/ mole.

Cutin from the walls of the acid tank

The GC-MS analysis showed that the degree of purity of cutin was very high; in fact the concentration of the 10.16 dihydroxydecanoic acid, the main component of tomato cutin, was 70-80%.

The process set-up at a pilot plant level was very efficient, in fact the average extraction yield was high, about 10-15%. The process developed is ecofriendly, since no organic solvents are used, but only aqueous solution at different pH values (acidic and basic).

Gas chromatograph

Test Of The New Bio Lacquer On Metal Food Packaging

50 kg of bio-lacquer has been produced on an industrial line without changing processing times and temperatures of the standard lines and therefore the lacquer has been applied on tinplate, tin free steel and aluminium.

The lacquer showed good chemical and mechanical properties, good adherence and corrosion resistance. The results of all the tests it underwent were positive and comparable to those of standard lacquers.

Bio-lacquer industrial production

About 3000 tin cans made up of 3 pieces and weighing 0.5 kg each and their TFS ends have been produced on industrial line. The cans have been filled with lentils and Borlotti beans, tomato sauce and pulp, diced meat. A pack test has been organized at different storage temperature for 2 years.

The results are satisfactory and comparable to those of standard lacquers with all the products, thus highlighting the real and possible use of lacquer for metal food-contact packaging.

Food cans with bio-lacquer and full of tomato sauce

Environmental Impact Of Bio Resin And Bio Lacquer

By means of LCA the environmental impact of the new eco-cans protected with the bio-lacquer was compared with oil-based lacquer. The results are relevant: in comparison with a standard lacquer of fossil origin, emissions of CO₂ eq, are lower by 730 mg for each can.

A medium sized lacquer manufacturer produces on average 30,000 tons/year. If in an initial phase of indutrialization at least 4,000 tons/year of standard lacquer can will be replaced with lacquer derived from tomato, there will be a reduction of CO₂ eq emissions of 2 tons/year.

Considering instead that 650 K-tons of metal packaging are used in Italy every year, the reduction of emissions could be impressive, i.e. 1 million kg of CO₂ eq/year.

NOTE: the results reported above were obtained as part of European projects

Positive environmental impact