Every year, around 89M tons of Food Loss and Waste (FLW) are generated only in the EU, accounting for 20% of the total food produced, with costs estimated at 143 Bn, impacting each stage of the Food Value Chain. SISTERS proposes a set of systemic innovations addressed to reduce FLW generated in every stage of the Food Value Chain in Europe that will solve main existing challenges in Production, Processing, Marketing (retailing/wholesaling), Consumption, and the Logistics, among stages.
The specific objectives of SISTERS project are:
SO1. To provide effective tools to primary producers for promoting direct and Short Chain sales, with impact at European level, in order to reduce food losses during the stage of food production. The feasibility study was ready in February 2022 and the first version of the Short Chain Platform was presented in December 2022.
SO2. To reduce food losses during transportation integrating an effective tracking system into innovative containers. At this point in the project, the sensor kit has been produced for the transportation of bulk food. A report was issued July 2022 about the BulkBox Sensor Kit prototype and its deploy for testing and the first test was completed. A similar report was released in April 2023 regarding the StoreBox Sensor Kit prototype.
SO3. To generate a range of high-performing, biodegradable, recyclable and compostable packaging materials. The report with specifications for the food packaging value chain was completed and submitted in October 2022. Two generations of materials have been accomplished and characterized to investigate their thermal stability and mechanical properties. In addition, first biodegradability and disintegration tests were carried out.
SO4. To demonstrate superior performance of the SISTERS food packaging. The development of flexible film materials (stretch films, sealing films) and rigid packaging and further characterization has been carried out.
SO5. To deliver social, economic, and environmental-climatic co-benefits of the SISTERS project. The team has been working also in studying the state-of-the-art of the consumer perception towards bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable packaging and sustainable labelling systems. This information was compiled in the report from consumers for packaging prototyping, submitted in July 2022.
SO6. To raise awareness among retailers and consumers for reducing food waste during consumption. The Dissemination & Communication Plan was finalised and submitted April 2022. The project website and blog were prepared and submitted as deliverable also in April 2022. The information about the Communication Team goals was compiled in another report submitted May 2022. Different specific D&C plans were issues for producers, distributors, processors and consumers.
SO7. To establish cross-sector synergies and interconnections with related initiatives to incorporate new coordinated schemes in the food system, ensuring EU leadership on sustainable packaging for the food industry.
A mapping activity of the EU bodies relevant for SISTERS was accomplished. The awarded consortiums in the Green Deal, Farm To Fork topics were contacted and several meetings have been carried out.
