Development of sustainable fibre-based food packaging materials made from agricultural residues using safety-by-design - SustainFibresFCM 

Project summary

Rationale/ Needs: The SUPD urges to reduce single-use plastic and replace it with sustainable alternatives. Recycled paper contains critical substances for food contact, thus novel, safe and recyclable fibre packaging materials are needed. •Objectives: The project aims to upcycle fibre-based agricultural waste for packaging applications using a chemical free steam explosion technology. A new safety-by-design concept secures that the material is compliant with EU regulations for FCM. The sustainability-by-design ensures the sustainability of the whole value chain. •Application: The agricultural harvesting residue pulps will be used to produce innovative food packaging, with ready to eat food packaging as prototypes. •Impact and benefits: With the reuse of agricultural waste and its new application in direct food contact, the sustainable fibre material will provide demanded solutions for agricultural harvesting suppliers, the packaging industry, local retailers, consumers and the EU