Bio-based and biodegradable plastics - beacon of hope or greenwashing?
05/07/2025
Whether as packaging, bags or disposable products - we are encountering bio-based and biodegradable plastics more and more frequently. But how environmentally friendly are they really? Our article shows what opportunities they offer, where their limits lie and what misunderstandings exist.
Edible, biodegradable, reusable: What impact can these concepts have on preventing packaging waste and food waste at home?
10/24/2024
It is perhaps worth repeating that the main purpose of packaging food at home is to prevent food waste, which has the potential to cause significant damage to our global ecosystem. Not only does food production use a significant amount of fertile land, it also produces a significant amount of CO2.
At the same time, it is recognised that food packaging is a problem in its own right, as it is linked to the wider issue of plastic pollution. As the causes of littering are many and varied, including open landfill sites and negligent consumers, it may be that recyclable packaging is not the optimal solution to prevent this.
Preventing Waste - Challenges for Household Food Packaging
06/18/2024
Sustainable packaging is not just bio-based, reusable, or recyclable. It also prevents food from going to waste. Many processes, such as modified atmosphere packaging or the use of indicators, are applicable to the industrial or commercial sector. However, they are rarely practical for domestic use.
The risks associated with the packaging and storage of food in the home are numerous and varied, as are the impacts of environmental factors. Food spoilage can begin long before the consumer expects it. It is therefore crucial to examine the consumer's role in the food chain, particularly how perishable food is handled, prepared, and stored at home. With this in mind, what is the most effective course of action, according to scientific research?
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Research Promotion
State institution with an industrial and commercial focus (EPIC). Main responsibilities include the collection, processing and dissemination of international technical and scientific information derived from the worldwide network of French embassies. The site offers a search engine for sites within the network and access to publications from ADIT. Additional activities include the latest reports from respective technology fields.
Fachagentur für nachwachsende Rohstoffe
Die Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V. (FNR) is the promoter of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). It was set up in 1993 on the initiative of the Federal Government in order to coordinate research, development and demonstration projects in the field of renewable raw materials. In particular, the development of new bio-based plastic packaging for foodstuffs are being supported.
Horizon Europe is the EU's research and innovation framework programme for 2021-2027, which aims to build a knowledge-based and innovation-driven society and competitive economy, and contribute to sustainable development. Horizon Europe is divided into three programme pillars (Scientific Excellence, European Industrial Competitiveness, Innovative Europe) and the funding area Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area.
Research and industry
Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB)
The Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy as a nationally and internationally acting institute is researching at the interface of biological and technical systems. Its research is aimed at sustainable intensification. To this end, it analyses, models and evaluates bio-economic production systems. The institute develops and integrates new technologies and management strategies for a knowledge-based, site-specific production of biomass, and its use for food, as biobased materials and fuels - from basic research to application. It thus contributes to food security, animal welfare, the holistic use of biomass, and the protection of the climate and environment.
Campden BRI is the UK's largest independent membership-based organisation carrying out research and development for the food and drinks industry worldwide. It is committed to providing industry with the research, technical and advisory services needed to ensure product safety and quality, process efficiency and product and process innovation. The R&D programme reflects needs identified by industrial members and provides a constantly renewable knowledge base for technology transfer.
Research is multidisciplinary at CEMEF, from fundamental research to applications. Based on fundamental studies, the centre’s research activities are centred on the physical and mechanical understanding of the principal aspects of materials processing and forming. MINES ParisTech and CEMEF established an education chair in Bioplastics
With the aim to preserve the freshness of food longer and to improve food safety, the interdisciplinary working group cold chain management of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn was founded in 2003.
German Packing Institute and the Association of German Packaging Engineers e. V.
The homepage gives information on the activities of both organizations. Among other things, the site offers research opportunities for innovation, experts and packaging materials. A forum is also offered.
Royal DSM is a purpose-led global science-based company in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living. Our purpose is to create brighter lives for all. We achieve it by using all the scientific and innovation power at our disposal to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges - creating value for customers, shareholders, our people, and society-at-large.
Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV
The Fraunhofer IVV stands for high-quality food and safe packaging that enables high quality and convenient handling. The institute pays close attention to efficient use of raw materials and low environmental impact. Its technologies and expertise also translate to applications outside the food and packaging industries.
The Institute for Construction and Functional Materials (IKFM), an institute of Münster University of Applied Sciences, bundles materials science know-how from four different departments of Münster University of Applied Sciences. By bringing together the different faculties in the IKFM, research projects and inquiries from industry are carried out centrally and effectively. One central topic is the material research for food packaging.
IPU is an innovative company in the field of engineering. It offers the development of highly qualified processes and products, consulting activities and partnerships with experts in engineering and communication technology. IPU has a broad platform on food safety and legal requirements for preservation and packaging, especially with regards to the decomposition process caused by fungi.
ofi - Austrian Research Institute for Chemistry and Technology
ofi is one of the largest testing and research institutes in Austria - and thus an important factor in the innovation system. As a competent and flexible partner, ofi has supported major international companies and above all numerous organizations and small to mid-sized businesses since it was founded in 1946. Together with these companies, ofi develops new products or applications and provides certainty about the quality of offerings through their testing process. With headquarters in Vienna and Neustadt, ofi is focused in the areas of construction, bioenergy, pharmaceuticals, surface treatments and plastic products.
Bernard Gregory Foundation (ABG)
Founded in 1980, the Bernard Gregory Foundation has given itself the task of promoting the value of training through research in the non-academic world and the entry of young graduate research students into business. The ABG is supported by the public sector, academic and commercial research centers, universities and companies. It provides services related to the job search as well as information on the training and employment of graduate research students. In addition, it helps educational institutions prepare their students for careers in business.
Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research
The Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research works in the scientific field of sustainable uses for food safety and packaging. Through close collaboration with the government and the industry, the group creates inspiring opportunities and special solutions by merging their experience from various scientific and industrial fields.
ttz Bremerhaven is an independent provider of research services which performs applied research and development. Under the umbrella of ttz Bremerhaven, an international team of experts is working in the areas of food, environment and health. For over 20 years, ttz Bremerhaven has assisted enterprises of all sizes in their research and development projects.
Schools and universities
AgroParisTech is a higher education and research institute (“Grande Ecole”) aiming at addressing some of the main global challenges of the 21st century: feeding a growing population while sustainably managing territories, preserving natural resources, supporting innovation and integrating the bioeconomy.
ESIEC: French School of Packaging Engineers
The ESIEC website presents its offer: engineering education, further education for engineers and managers, research, technology transfer in collaboration with companies, European and international partnerships. In addition, a link list is provided.
Wiener Neustadt Technical College
Founded in 1994, the Wiener Neustadt technical college is the first technical college in Austria. Since the founding days, its goal is to connect academics and on-the-job experience targeted at the needs of business and technology. At this time, there are four faculties at the Wiener Neustadt University of Applied Sciences: Business, Technology, Health and Security and Sport..
Royal University for Veterinary and Agriculture Sciences: Department of Dairy and Food Science
The Danish KVL is one of the leading European universities in food research. The website offers information on courses, programs and research projects. A guided tour provides a quick overview of the work of the university.
Technical University of Munich: School of Brewing and Food Technology
The web site for the Weihenstephan scientific center for nutrition, land use and environment offers information on current events and presents the school, study opportunities and research activities. Additionally, it offers information on graduation, postdoctoral lecture qualification and the central facilities of the TUM campus in Weihenstephan.
University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover (TiHo)
The University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover (TiHo) is a university foundation in the State of Lower Saxony and the oldest independent facility for veterinary medicine in Germany. The TiHo’s main areas of research are Infection medicine, clinical research, systemic neurosciences, animal health and food quality. The Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety is part of the Virtual Centre for Animal Welfare and Food Quality at University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover.
Magazines and information services
AlphaGalileo is a European community project that aims to raise awareness for the importance of European research and the information flow between research communities and mass media. The portal offers journalists worldwide around the clock access to news, images and background information. An expert database is also provided.
The Emballage Digest magazine focuses primarily on packaging, e.g. technologies, machines and processes. Emballage Digest reporting covers all markets in the packaging industry including food, household products, industry packaging, cosmetics/perfumes, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, equipment, etc. Emballage Digest puts an emphasis on innovation and offers an international overview of the packaging industry.
The non-profit organization, IFIS, provides extensive information on the food industry on its website. Additional services offered include an innovation database, a search engine and a regular newsletter.
FoodProductionDaily.com is one of the leading European sites for information on food technology and packaging. The web site offers a variety of information services. One special service is the option to receive personalized newsletters.
The world of science up close: The science information service (idw) opens doors to science, research and teaching for those interested. News, archive, calendar and the links on science are all at no cost.
The website of one of the leading German packaging magazines provides detailed, daily information on the German packaging industry. Various search engines allow additional research on events, products and companies.
Packagingmagazine.co.uk is the online version of the leading industry magazine in Britain. The website concentrates on news, jobs, technical facilities, events and materials.
Packworld.com, the website of the American "Packaging World" magazine, provides information on general packaging and the international packaging market. The site also offers an excellent search engine.
For scientific questions
Cofresco Frischhalteprodukte GmbH & Co. KG
Researcher Sustainability
Jana Klabunde
Ringstr. 99 D-32427 Minden
Tel.: +49 (0) 571 / 8396 - 770
[email protected]
Media Relations in Germany
c/o VIERPARTNER – Agentur für Kommunikation und Marketing
Kijara Detoni
Phone.: +49 (0) 211 / 417 411 - 53
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