Business Collaborative Research on Novel Strategies in Functional and Active Packaging for the Food Industry

Microbial contamination supposes an issue of major concern in the food industry that affects both industrial processes and food products. Consequently, food industry is seeking for novel strategies that prevent surface contamination and microorganism proliferation during fabrication, and also innovative packaging materials that contributes to increase shelf-life of packaged food while being more environmentally friendly.<br/><br/>The development of functional and/or active coatings that could be applied over industrial equipment to prevent microbial growth or over packaging materials to incorporate advanced functionalities appears out as outstanding strategies that different companies in the food and packaging industry are exploring and implementing. A functional coating refers to a formulation that incorporates, for example, antimicrobial activity. To this end, different active substances can be considered. Traditionally, different preservatives and plant extracts have been used. Currently, novel strategies include the use of pro/prebiotics, peptides, endolysins or nanobodies, amongst others. Besides, a functional coating in packaging refers to a specialized type of coating applied to the surface of packaging materials to provide additional functionalities and benefits, such as gas barrier, water resistance or oil repellency. Different strategies are being followed, including the formulation of coatings based on natural ingredients such as proteins, fatty acids or lignocellulosic materials in order provide with functionality while contributing to create a circular economy model.<br/><br/>Several developments in the field of novel functional coatings carried out by AINIA together with different companies in the food and packaging sectors, will be presented. These developments are the result of R&D projects in which synergies between different knowledge fields have been exploited, such as biotechnology, hygienic surfaces, material’s science, and packaging. The common point being the agrifood industry focus and the need to fight against food waste while guiding sustainability to the highest standards that current regulations are demanding.