PRESERVE

Packaging plays a crucial role in safely transporting food and beverages from producers to consumers, ensuring their preservation and safety. However, its production and disposal is posing a serious threat to the environment. Packaging is predominantly made from fossil-fuel-based plastics, it requires substantial amounts of virgin materials and it is poorly recycled. In 2021, 44% of the world’s total plastic production was used for packaging with a recycling rate of 26.9%. With fossil resources becoming less available each day, bio-based packaging materials have been identified as potential solutions to address waste management issues, in line with circular economy principles.

That's why researchers, packaging manufacturers, NGOs, and SMEs have joined forces in the PRESERVE project to develop innovative bio-based packaging solutions, with the goal of bringing new, viable circular alternatives to the market. PRESERVE is a European research initiative aimed at improving the recyclability of food packaging through innovative biopolymer synthesis. The project focuses on advancing bio-based packaging by enhancing bio-coatings for better recyclability. Additionally, PRESERVE ensures that these materials can be upcycled into new containers and textiles for non-food uses.