Development of the XyloMatrix technology enabling the production of biodegradable disposable products from lignocellulosic waste
Project title
Development of the XyloMatrix technology enabling the production of biodegradable disposable products from lignocellulosic waste
Name of Beneficiary/Beneficiaries
Przedsiębiorstwo Wielobranżowe Sp. z o.o.
Name of programme
Smart Growth Operational Program
Competition
Fast track
Project value
PLN 4,558,964.22
Funding value
PLN 2,854,662.76
Project delivery period
from November 1, 2021 to August 31, 2023
Get to know our team
Sławomir Świtała - Entrepreneur and manager with over 30 years of experience in running and developing companies in the construction, energy and ecological industries.
Prof. DSc. Bartłomiej Mazela - Scientist and innovator with 25 years of experience in conducting R&D projects and implementing IP into industrial practice. Co-author of numerous publications and patent applications in the area of the
See the effect of our work
The video shows the process of thermoforming the raw material, which results in obtaining a finished product.
Video
What problem does our project solve?
XyloMatrix is a future-proof solution because it is an alternative to commonly used plastic packaging. XyloMatrix creates the opportunity to replace the plastic packaging ubiquitous on the market with packaging made of wood fibers. The technology allows the production of fully biodegradable and ecological packaging using both native and recycled lignocellulosic fibers.
The pioneering feature of XyloMatrix is that by-products from the processing of wood and wood-based materials, instead of being burned for energy purposes, can be used as a raw material for the production of packaging. XyloMatrix is a technology that does not use any chemicals dangerous to humans and animals, and the product created according to this technology is characterized by an excellent barrier against liquids without the use of common PFAS.
Who will benefit from the project results?
The results of the XyloMatrix project benefit not only the applicant - investor, who starts implementing an innovative technology for producing fully biodegradable and compostable packaging, but also the recipient (consumer). Due to the clearly defined innovation of the project and the defined advantages of the new product, the benefits of the project results translate into the health of the end user of the product and the protection of the natural environment, contributing to the development of "zero waste" technology (building a circular economy).
What was the biggest challenge for us in implementing the project?
In development work (DW), the applicant scales technological processes that were previously carried out on a laboratory scale, i.e. in industrial research (IR). It is in development work that the amount of eligible costs is definitely the highest. However, already at the stage of preparing the project application, it is required to obtain preliminary offers regarding the purchase of equipment, materials and services planned to be provided. It turns out that after a period of time from the preparation of the project application to the implementation of development work, these offers are no longer valid. This is not only caused by unforeseen changes in the prices of raw materials, materials, service costs, changes in exchange rates, etc. First of all, it is conditioned by the industrial research result. Therefore, the need to present specific offers regarding the purchase of machines or the selection of subcontracting units constitutes a limitation and hindrance at a later stage in the implementation of key tasks from the point of view of project innovation.
Our advice to other Applicants
The application should clearly indicate innovation (product and/or technological) closely related to expectations regarding modern materials or production methods. Creating an innovative product or developing an innovative technology must result from well-thought-out and properly planned industrial research and development work. An important element is also the correct determination of the level of technological advancement, both at the beginning of project activities (basic research or industrial research stage) and in the last phase of project implementation, i.e. pre-implementation work. This approach will certainly allow the reviewer to predict the chances of achieving the recorded milestones and achieving the assumed indicators. It is also worth adding that the assumptions of the entire project are consistent with the principles of sustainable development.