Foodtech

Sep 19 2024

Spain’s University of Córdoba Leads Project to Develop Sustainable Food Packaging

The project will ultimately reduce plastic and post-harvest food waste as well as better protect our food

The University of Córdoba is spearheading the international project called DurInnPack, which involves developing innovative packaging with edible coatings that extend the durability of Mediterranean fruits and vegetables after they’re harvested.

Agri-food waste will be used to create the packaging, and the edible coatings will be made using natural extracts, providing antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This means less plastic, less post-harvest food waste, and better protection for our food.

Other measures will be taken throughout production to reduce food spoilage, loss of moisture, and the need for refrigeration after the harvest. This new packaging will be superior to conventional packaging and will provide consumers with sustainable products that have better texture and taste, and even health benefits.

DurInnPack is part of the PRIMA program, which supports projects that help contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources as well as economic growth and stability in the Mediterranean area.

The 3-year project is being co-funded by the European Union and will involve eight institutions from seven different countries will be participating in the project. In the foodtech sector, universities play a vital role in the development of these types of projects.

The other participants include the Scientific and Technical Research Center in Physico-Chemical Analysis in Algeria, the Higher Council of Scientific Research – Zaidin Experimental Station in Granada, Grenoble-Alpes University in France, the University of Milan in Italy, Mohammed Premiuer Oujda University in Morocco, the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança in Portugal, and the Higher Institute of Technological Studies in Ksar Helal in Tunisia.