Background

Active and intelligent packaging are new packaging with a disruptive effect on the food industry, capable of improving the traceability and the preservation of food over time. Currently these packages operate extending the shelf-life, absorbing smells and releasing antimicrobial substances. The result is an increase in the durability (shelf-life) and on improvement of the preservation of the food. Moreover, to reduce the environmental impact of plastics deriving from fossil fuels resources, the European Green Deal has recently emphasized the importance of the development and applicability of natural biopolymers. The global market for sustainable packaging is estimated to reach $ 51.2 billion in 2023.

Technology Overview

The developed technology allows to produce a bio-base packaging and at the same time to attach irreversibly the additives now used (e.g. preservatives) directly to the packaging. Currently no other active material provides an antibacterial compound irreversibly coupled to the packaging itself. The “shelf life” is extended without releasing of any additive to the food, enhancing the sustainability and safety of the food and the packaging.

A practical application can be the production of ultra-absorbent sheets (cellulose or polyacrylamide) which are placed at the bottom of many polystyrene trays used for meat and fish. This operation allows to drastically reduce the growth of bacteria and to improve the storage life of the product. This technology can be employed for drinks, fruit juices, food in single-serving package, vegetables.

Benefits

Bio-based packaging production
“Shelf life” extension
Sustainable packaging and production
Non-releasing active packaging for food industry

Applications

Packaging Industry
Paper, card board Industry
Food and Beverage Industry

Opportunity

Open to collaborative projects to further develop and commercialize the technology and/or to license it out.

Active Biodegradable Packaging

Seeking