The European BiOrangePack Project, conducted by AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, seeks to improve the logistics system in the citrus trade. It focuses on the development of active and ecological packaging to safeguard and prolong the shelf life of oranges and lemons. The project's objectives include diminishing post-harvest rot loss by up to 30% through non-toxic and ecological treatments. Additionally, it aims to extend the shelf life of oranges from 40 to 50 days and lemons from 60 to 70 days.
"Food waste is a serious social and economic issue, but also represents a major environmental problem because not only is food wasted, but so are the resources used to produce food that will not be consumed, resulting in an unnecessary increase in the production of greenhouse gases. By reducing food waste, we're making a great contribution to environmental protection and adaptation to and mitigation of climate change through the efficient use of productive resources," Ríos added.
BiOrangePack also focuses on decreasing waste from fruit processing into juices and essences by up to 80%. This is achieved by utilizing citrus pulp waste for developing active coatings against fungal rot. These coatings, which can be applied directly to the fruit as edible packaging or as individual paper wrappers, are derived from natural materials, aligning with the sustainable supply of food. The project underscores the environmental benefits of using natural additives from fruit pulp over synthetic alternatives, thereby minimizing pollution.
The project's research was acknowledged at the Fourth Edition of the go!ODS Awards, an initiative by the Spanish Global Compact Network and the Rafael del Pino Foundation. It was recognized for contributing to SDG 2: Zero Hunger, through the development of active coatings for citrus fruits made from fruit pulp waste, aimed at reducing fungal rot.
Source: interplasinsights.com