The BioSupPack project is proud to announce the release of a new white paper, “Upcycling Food and Drink Packaging: How EU-Funded Research Transforms Waste into Sustainable Solutions.”
This comprehensive document, coordinated by European Bioplastics (EUBP), brings together the expertise of five EU-funded projects—BioSupPack, PRESERVE, UPLIFT, upPE-T and MoeBIOS—to address one of the most pressing challenges in sustainability: food and drink packaging waste.
The white paper, developed with input from all participating projects, explores how innovative upcycling technologies can turn packaging waste into high-value, sustainable materials. It also provides key policy recommendations for advancing the EU’s transition to a circular economy in packaging.
The white paper was first presented during a webinar on 1 October, where stakeholders from industry, policy, and academia gathered to discuss its findings.
BioSupPack’s Role in the White Paper
As a contributor, the BioSupPack project focuses on developing rigid biobased packaging from PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates), sourced from renewable by-products such as brew spent grains. These materials not only offer the performance needed for food, cosmetic, and homecare applications but are also designed with recycling and biodegradability in mind.
The white paper highlights BioSupPack’s innovative approach to:
- Developing high-performance biobased packaging that matches conventional plastic in rigidity and functionality.
- Ensuring compatibility with mechanical and enzymatic recycling processes, allowing materials to re-enter the production cycle in line with circular economy principles.
- Using brew spent grains, a by-product of the brewing industry, to create sustainable packaging solutions, contributing to resource efficiency and reducing waste.
Key Insights from the White Paper
The white paper delves into three core areas of innovation:
- Circular Design: Developing packaging that is recyclable, sustainable, and compliant with EU safety standards.
- Upcycling Technologies: Showcasing the role of biotechnology in turning packaging waste into higher-value materials, including enzymatic recycling processes.
- End-of-Life Solutions: Highlighting the need for packaging that is both biodegradable and recyclable, to prevent waste from contributing to environmental pollution.
Policy Recommendations
In addition to technical innovations, the white paper offers policy recommendations to support the large-scale adoption of upcycled packaging materials. These include:
- Investment in recycling infrastructure: To handle biobased and upcycled materials more effectively.
- Harmonized regulatory frameworks: For clear labelling, standards, and incentives to encourage the use of sustainable packaging.
- Public education and awareness: Raising consumer awareness about the benefits of biobased packaging and proper disposal practices.
Looking Ahead
The BioSupPack project will continue to collaborate with its partners to advance the innovations detailed in the white paper. Our efforts will focus on scaling up the production of biobased packaging solutions, ensuring they are ready for widespread adoption in the market.
We invite you to explore the white paper and learn more about how BioSupPack and our fellow projects are contributing to a more sustainable future for packaging.
Download the White Paper: https://zenodo.org/records/13933189
