THE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS PROGRAM

The Technology Access demonstration program will examine access to innovation in enabling technologies that are critical to maintaining competitiveness across all manufacturing industry sectors. PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY was selected as the initial focus for MITA for its broad application across many different industry sectors and types. The three areas covered are:

1. The development of specialised export packaging to meet new regulatory requirements of the EU and USA will require Australian manufacturers to adopt materials, designs and practices that allow them to demonstrate their compliance with end disposal and whole-of-life performance criteria. This project will identify specific needs of groups of Australian manufacturers and demonstrate how they can redesign packaging and processes to meet these needs.

2. The development of "Smart" packaging to monitor condition of contents, particularly food for human consumption, has emerged as an effective use of new packaging materials. Through its contact with the food industry, AMC has identified a broad interest in accessing this new technology and the MITA project will have the support of major food producers. The project will demonstrate how packaging and processes need to be modified and will work with material suppliers as part of the industry working group.

3. The further development of biodegradable packaging to minimise disposal requirements is becoming increasingly attractive and necessary for the larger cities of Australia and already Sydney and Melbourne are being forced to adopt new and expensive methods of transporting and disposing of wastes that have high levels of non-biodegradeable packaging. By working with industry manufacturers and material suppliers the technology for biodegaradeable and "smart" packaging can be promulgated to industry. Several manufacturers and packaging manufacturers have indicated to AMC that they would be interested in joining a MITA project that focuses on improving access to this technology.