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Sustainable packaging solutions for food and cosmetics based on aquatic biomass and side-streams

Project description

Eco-friendly packaging for a cleaner future

Plastic waste is a growing problem, with traditional packaging materials contributing to pollution and harming ecosystems. Perishable foods and cosmetics often rely on plastic to maintain quality and safety, but this creates a significant waste burden. The challenge is to find packaging that protects products while being eco-friendly. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the AQUAPACK project is addressing this issue by creating biodegradable packaging from marine biomass, like algae and fish by-products. These sustainable materials aim to keep food and cosmetics fresh, reduce waste, and extend shelf life. AQUAPACK’s innovative solutions include active films, secondary packaging, and a freshness-monitoring biosensor, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.

Objective

The overall objective of the AQUAPACK project is the development and evaluation of the effect of novel biodegradable packaging systems on the quality and safety of perishable food and cosmetics in the supply chain of the EU region and worldwide, through the introduction of economically and environmentally sustainable packaging materials based on marine biomass (micro and macro-algae, fish processing side streams and by-catch). AQUAPACK faces the challenge of reducing plastic pollution through transnationally designed innovations for development of novel biodegradable packaging systems.
Well-designed secondments between academic and industrial partners with complimentary capacities, will deliver the project objectives:
(i) to introduce economically and environmentally sustainable, low carbon packaging materials based on aquatic biomass and side-streams, that can appropriately preserve the quality and safety of food and cosmetics products, from production all the way to consumption.
(ii) design and test at least 2 biodegradable packaging materials appropriate for fish fillets and cosmetics, by developing: (i) biodegradable, active films appropriate for food and cosmetics by utilizing aquatic biomass, (ii) biodegradable films appropriate for secondary packaging of cosmetics. (b) An innovative direct freshness monitoring system (biosensor) applicable across the supply chain of perishable products.
(iii) to improve the sustainability of the food and cosmetics sectors by preserving their quality, extending their shelf life and thus reducing waste.
(iv) reduce waste of packaging materials by applying non-plastic, biodegradable packaging solutions for food and cosmeceutical products.
(v) assess the sustainability and safety of the new packaging solutions in comparison to commonly used packaging for food and cosmetics.
(vi) to provide cross-cutting interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, technology transfer and training to improve employability and career prospects.

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-SE - HORIZON TMA MSCA Staff Exchanges

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-SE-01

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Coordinator

GEOPONIKO PANEPISTIMION ATHINON
Net EU contribution
€ 262 200,00
Address
IERA ODOS 75
118 55 ATHINA
Greece
Region
Αττική Aττική Κεντρικός Τομέας Αθηνών
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (13)

Partners (1)