Newton Fund - Bio-based Packaging for Fresh Food (BIOFRESHPAK)

This project, Bio-based Packaging for Fresh Food (BIOFRESHPAK) is focused on developing packaging materials

that will be biodegradable and recyclable and will A) reduce wastage by improving the storage stability and

shelf life of food during transit between the producer and the urban consumer, B) reduce the level of

adulteration via sealable and tamper-evident features, C)reduce urban solid waste from packaging going to

landfill, and D) improve health and well being of the population by improved retention of nutritional quality

and reducing risk of spoilage in fruit and vegetables. To achieve these objectives, the project will develop

innovative bio-based hybrid polymer packaging films with selective humidity and permeability control and

improved storage-life performance with enhanced environmental characteristics. The packaging systems will

be based on the incorporation and compatibilisation of presently under used agri-waste (tapioca starch from

cassava processing waste) at low costs into conventional and other bio-based polymers. The treatment of the

agri-waste (wet stored cassava starch and waste water) will contribute to minimising significant cassava waste.