Exclusive interview with Dr. Mika Vähä-Nissi, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

17 November 2011

Dr. Mika Vähä-Nissi, Senior Scientist, VTT gives his insight into sustainable packaging with thin film deposition techniques

 

Q: Could you share with us the hottest trends for sustainable packaging that involve thin film deposition techniques?

There is significant potential for these techniques combined with bio-based materials for demanding food and pharmaceutical packaging applications and, in general, for replacing environmentally less favourable solutions, such as Al-foil. Such efforts are supported by strong process development. These techniques will also enable other types of functionality in the future.

 

Q: Where do you see these technologies evolving in the next 5 years?

We will see more roll-to-roll processes and materials being developed, which is important from the industrial point of view. While new packaging materials are the most obvious outcomes in such a time frame, the current activities will also open up significant potential for other applications of bio-based materials and high value added products. Thin film techniques are a truly fascinating area with high potential in different development stages.

 

Q: What are you looking forward to hear at the Specialty Papers Conference in Frankfurt at the end of the month?

For us networking is the key element. We want to cooperate both with researchers working within closely related areas to take these technologies forward and key industrial partners along the value chain to create true business opportunities from such solutions.

Dr. Mika Vähä-Nissi is a key speaker at Specialty Papers Europe. Find out more on the topics being presented at the conference from the full agenda.

View further details on all speakers at Specialty Papers Europe.