The European Union's Horizon Europe program has recently announced a €7.6 million investment (about 61.8 million RMB) in the Greco Project. The goal is to develop a new generation of high-performance, bio-based biodegradable food packaging. This initiative addresses the challenges of plastic pollution while aligning with the strict requirements of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. It highlights the EU’s commitment to sustainable packaging and presents new opportunities and challenges for the food packaging industry.
Key Objectives
- Material Innovation
Develop new materials based on polylactic acid (PLA) copolymers that offer better strength, improved barrier properties (such as moisture and aroma retention), and faster biodegradation. - Closed-Loop Recycling
Build a dual recycling system that includes mechanical recycling and chemical depolymerization (hydrolysis) to ensure a complete circular use of PLA waste. - Certification Standards
Work with leading certification bodies like TÜV Austria and DIN Certco (Germany) to create new industry standards for biodegradable packaging performance.
What the Greco Project Will Do
Innovative Material Development
The project focuses on developing new biodegradable materials, such as PLA copolymers and functional coatings. These materials are designed not only to degrade effectively but also to preserve food freshness and flavor. This will support a more eco-friendly future for food packaging.
Advanced Technology and Process Optimization
By using cutting-edge technologies like reactive extrusion and mechanochemical processing, the project aims to improve the efficiency and quality of biodegradable packaging production. This will help lower costs and make eco-packaging more competitive in the market.
Lifecycle Assessment and Certification
Greco will evaluate the entire lifecycle of packaging materials and test their biodegradability in various environments. It will also work actively on certification processes to ensure compliance with international standards and EU regulations, boosting market trust and product competitiveness.
Industry Collaboration for Acceleration
The Greco Project is led by multiple industry leaders and involves 22 committed partners focused on sustainable PLA-based food packaging solutions. This collaboration will help create a complete ecosystem for biodegradable food packaging and speed up its adoption across the industry.
A New Phase for EU’s Bio-Based Materials Strategy
The launch of the Greco Project marks a new stage in the EU’s strategy for bio-based materials. With breakthroughs in technology, supportive policies, and strong industry partnerships, the project is expected to transform the food packaging industry. Its success could significantly influence the global shift toward greener, more sustainable packaging.
