The project will:
Identify and select promising agrifood residues for biopolymer and bioactive compound extraction, creating a comprehensive database for sustainable resource utilization.
Extract and characterize biopolymers, functional compounds, and microbiomes from selected residues for use in packaging solutions.
Explore alternative production routes, including fermentation processes, to harness microbiome-based approaches for food preservation.
Optimize biopolymer-based films and coatings, incorporating recovered constituents from agrifood residues, to maximize shelf-life extension.
Evaluate the developed packaging solutions for barrier properties, mechanical strength, and their ability to reduce food waste, while ensuring safety and consumer satisfaction.
Integrate ICT-based solutions, including in-pack sensors and smartphone applications, to enable real-time monitoring of food products, thereby enhancing food safety and reducing waste.
Assess the environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of bio-based packaging solutions, promoting eco-friendly practices in the food supply chain.