The TREEPLAST®-project

consortium

exploitation

research

social benefits

EU
waterproof TREEPLAST® samples

TREEPLAST is a new material. It combines a two big advantages: It has a natural appearance, touch and feel and it has no shape restrictions. Because TREEPLAST is made from wood it is a fully renewable material.It can be processed in traditional plastic-processing machines.

(Click for more detailed information.)

TREEPLAST® has big potential. Six international SME's have recognized the chance to open up a new market for (biodegradable) products with this new material.Together with three Research & Development partners (RTD partners) those SME's are the TREEPLAST-consortium.

The intention of the SME proposers is market leadership in an increasing market of natural products. Although non complicated TREEPLAST products have been produced, more research is needed to:

  • adapt product- and mould design to TREEPLAST
  • adapt TREEPLAST for specific product applications.

By starting the TREEPLAST project the consortium joins forces, needed to be able to conduct this necessary research.
to top of page TREEPLAST®-Consortium

The TREEPLAST-consortium consists of two groups:

  1. The Core group proposers: SME's (Small and Medium Enterprises) in the Netherlands, Austria and Germany
  2. The RTD Performers: Research &Development partners in the Netherlands and Austria.

The Dutch company PE design & engineering BV is the project coordinator. Prime proposer is KHZ Gezu in Nijkerk/ the Netherlands
to top of page Exploitation

The intention of the SME proposers is market leadership in an increasing market of natural products. The SME partners plan to exploit research results in three main application lines:

  • durable TREEPLAST products with coating
  • durable TREEPLAST products without coating
  • temporary TREEPLAST products for fast degradatio
to top of page Research
Result of the TREEPLAST-project will be:
  • 4 example products (for each main application line) for marketing purposes
  • extended know-how in processing, mould development and surface treatment
  • design handbook

Four example products are being developed. One product for each main application. Those products will exploit specific properties of TREEPLAST for demonstration purposes. With those products the consortium will be able to inform the market about the possibilities of (the new properties of) TREEPLAST.

With the extended know-how in processing, mould development and surface treatment the SME partners plan to gain a competitive edge to penetrate the market for natural products.
to top of page Social benefits

Social benefits of the research are:

  • substitution of plastic in certain products
  • reduction of waste and save of non renewable resources (i.e. plastics)
  • reduction in price for biodegradable injection moulded products by:
    • rising he need for natural materials to the "critical mass" that allows granule production on an economic scale
    • using biomass by transferring agricultural waste into raw materials
    • reduction of development time for new products with the help of the design handbook

In general; an increase in awareness of natural materials; use an environmentally friendly alternative.
to top of page European Commission

The TREEPLAST project is a Craft project, funded by the European Commission under the Brite/Euram programm.

Contact the TREEPLAST-consortium if you have read the TREEPLAST-site but still have some questions.
Mr. Paul Eilbracht (coordinator of the TREEPLAST-project.)

info@TREEPLAST.com

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