BillerudKorsnäs, Sweden, and Uppsala University, Sweden, have initiated a multi-annual collaboration to develop paper-based electrode materials. Based on achievements at Uppsala University in combination with BillerudKorsnäs’ competence in industrial production and packaging development, the future's sustainable fiber-based packaging will be explored.

The co-operation, which lasts three years, has been agreed between BillerudKorsnäs and Uppsala University Holding and aims to further develop research knowledge from Uppsala University to create energy storage in fiber structures by coating cellulosic fibers with electrically conductive polymers.

Behind the interdisciplinary research are professors Maria Strömme and Albert Mihranyan at the department of nanotechnology and functional materials, as well as professor Leif Nyholm at the department of Inorganic Chemistry at Ångström Laboratory.

Techniques for energy storage in fiber structures could enable storage of electrical energy in a paper or cardboard sheet - a paper battery simply expressed.

"Future packaging solution will offer consumers more features than today. With electrical energy stored in the paper itself, new opportunities are being opened to create these new features – the prerequisites for this we want to explore in collaboration with Uppsala University," said Magnus Wikström, CTO of BillerudKorsnäs.

For further information, contact Magnus Wikström, CTO, +46 8 553 335 00, or Henrik Essén, SVP communication and sustainability, +46 730 573 801.