PLAMINPACK (PLAnt-based antiMIcrobial aNd circular PACKaging for plant products) is an EU project funded by PRIMA, consisting of 9 partners from industry and academia. The project aims to promote the introduction of innovative, biological materials for the production of degradable plastic packaging in order to improve the shelf life of food systems in the Mediterranean region through safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives.
The following project objectives are being pursued: (1) To develop easy-to-process plant-based bio-based packaging materials and methods (to produce nets, films, trays, coatings) that are self-compostable and antimicrobial to reduce food loss. (2) This new packaging concept will be fully integrated into the circular economy of a farm so that all biomass waste is reused and helps to produce new food, packaging, feed or additives. In addition, the new packaging materials will be tested for their stability under environmental conditions as well as their potential recyclability and environmental impact after waste disposal, including through specific digital tools. (3) This new packaging will thus contribute to the growth of local businesses and job creation, allowing all actors along the value chains to benefit from biomass valorization, protecting biodiversity and the environment while safeguarding food production and food systems.
The contribution of the Department of Food Informatics at the UHOH ( led by Jun.-Prof. Dr. Christian Krupitzer) aims in particular to support the project objective by applying state-of-the-art machine learning methods for the analysis of the relevant data. The maturation process of the product as well as the interactions with the packaging on this process are modeled with the help of AI-supported digital twins (DT).
More information can be found on the official project page and on the project page of the national project management organization.
