Valorisation of agri-food waste to obtain biodegradable materials for active food pakaging

2022

CONSELLERIA DE INNOVACION, UNIVERSIDADES, CIENCIA Y SOCIEDAD DIGITAL

INV. COMPETITIVA PROYECTOS

Chiralt Boix Mª Amparo

This project addresses the valorisation of agri-food by-products, from the Bioeconomy concept, to obtain active extracts, with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, cellulosic materials, useful as reinforcing agents, and bioplastics, such as starch, or poly-hydroxy-alkanoates (PHAs). These components will be used to obtain food packaging materials with active properties. The by-products considered are materials with high environmental problems at a global and local level, such as rice straw and wine-making waste, also including tiger nut waste from the production of horchata, which represents a local problema in the Comunidad Valenciana. Multilayer materials (laminates) using the components obtained from the waste, will be obtained by combining biodegradable polymers with complementary properties, which allow the mechanical barrier properties of the material to be adapted to the packaging requirements of different types of food (with different composition and preservation problems). The incorporation of the active compunds obtained, and characterised as to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, in one of the material layers, as well as the cellulose reinforcement agents, will permits to obtain reinforced active packaging that will extend the food shelf life.