SuN4Med – Development of Biodegradable and Antimicrobial Food Packaging
Project Description:
The SuN4Med project – Sustainable and Innovative Food Packaging Based on Agro-Industrial By-Products and Natural Antimicrobials from the Mediterranean Area, addresses these issues by developing biodegradable and antimicrobial food packaging using agro-industrial by-products and natural antimicrobials from the Mediterranean region, with the aim of reducing food waste and mitigating plastic pollution.
Project Objectives:
The general objective of the project is to develop biodegradable food packaging and antimicrobial coatings using agro-industrial by-products and natural antimicrobials from the Mediterranean region. This project addresses the global issues of food waste and plastic pollution, seeking sustainable solutions that extend the shelf life of food and reduce the environmental impact caused by conventional plastic packaging. The materials used will be natural biopolymers such as cellulose, starch, and pectin, to which antimicrobial and antioxidant additives will be added. Additionally, artificial intelligence technologies will be integrated to optimize processes and assess environmental impact.
Specific technical objectives:
- Selection, production, and modification of biopolymers for the bio-based matrix.
- Selection and Production of Additives:(a) Antimicrobial and antioxidant molecules to be incorporated into the biopolymer matrix to enhance food safety. (b) Crosslinking compounds to improve the mechanical and barrier properties of films. (c) Bio-based adhesives for compression molding.
- Manufacturing of bioactive packaging and coatings at the laboratory scale through: (a) Solvent casting (for films and coatings). (b) Compression molding. (c) Extrusion. Characterization of packaging and coatings.
- Validation and scaling through: (a) Migration and toxicity studies. (b) Scaling at pilot and industrial levels, and packaging characterization. (c) Integration of AI. (d) Environmental impact.
Project Duration:
2024 – 2028
European project in cooperation with:
Funded by:
Contact:
Cesar Merino – Market Director of ITCL