dEsign, processing and characterization of innoVative biOdegradable and compostabLe actiVE PACKaging structures to improve food safety of mediterranean foods – EVOLVEPACK

EVOLVEPACK project is framed in the context of innovative sustainable strategies for reducing food waste in the Mediterranean area through the use of sustainable, environmental-friendly, cost-effective and antimicrobial packaging materials to control food hazards by inhibiting microbial growth.

The project proposal is a RIA that seeks to contribute to an increased sustainability of the food supply chain, by exploring underexploited agro-industrial, marine residues and antimicrobial enzymes and then develop novel antimicrobial sustainable food packaging and coating materials, aimed at reducing food waste and improve safety in the Mediterranean food supply chain.

The overall objective of the EVOLVEPACK project is to design and produce innovative, cost-effective, compostable and/or recyclable food packages based on active bioplastics and cellulosic materials. Trays, flexible films and absorbing pads will be developed considering a circular economy strategy. A thorough analysis of the antimicrobial packaging structures in terms of composition, antimicrobial characteristics, safety assessment and validation in food products will be carried out. These materials will be used to pack fruit/vegetables and fish, which are the basis in the Mediterranean diet, but are prone to rapid deterioration. Migration studies will be performed to assess the food safety of the developed concepts. Quantitative and non-quantitative constraints such as processability, consumer acceptance food safety, among others, will be considered in order to facilitate the design of sustainable packaging structures based on a requirement-driven approach. EVOLVEPACK will also provide an answer to society´s concerns related to food safety, environmental and economic circularity issues of the food industry and food packaging in the Mediterranean region.

The project Consortium is composed of 10 Partners from 8 different countries, covering a range of complementary competences and skills, aligned with the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy from 2018, which seeks to contribute to one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the United Nations, related to prevention and reduction of marine contamination, promoting the use of more sustainable materials.

EVOLVEPACK will be executed over 36 months with a total budget of € 1.998.553,22 requesting a public contribution of € 1.559.053,96. The project will generate broad scientific-technological knowledge (TRL 4) and develop applicable solutions (TRL 6-7), under an overall approach structured in 8 Work Packages.