Packoby

SAVE FOOD RESEARCH PROJECT: NEW FOOD PACKAGING FROM LEFTOVER FOOD

Food production generates a lot of residual material, which is usually not put to use but disposed of. At the same time, there is an increasing demand for alternatives to plastic packaging. Biodegradable and compostable packaging can be a sustainable solution, especially if it is made of leftovers from food production. In a new SAVE FOOD research project, students of Bahçeşehir University (BAU) in Istanbul have developed interesting ideas regarding the matter.

The initiative SAVE FOOD was created in 2011 by Messe Düsseldorf, Interpack, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to reduce food loss and food waste worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative had been partially put on hold. Now it has been restarted with new forward-looking projects. One of these is the research project by BAU Istanbul, which studies how to manufacture biodegradable packaging material for food from food waste or food by-products of the food industry.

The kick-off for this innovative project was the regional conference “Enabling the change” hosted by the FAO in Istanbul in October 2022, which was dedicated to the framework conditions and innovations surrounding the reduction of food waste. Here, the SAVE FOOD Initiative presented the endeavor together with BAU. The project is supported by a partner from the packaging industry as well as the food industry, project partners are Messe Düsseldorf GmbH and CIFAL Istanbul, which is part of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research UNITAR.

As part of the SAVE FOOD research project, the Packoby team has developed an innovative project focused on producing biodegradable packaging materials for food, utilizing food waste and byproducts from the food industry. The difference between Packoby dry food packaging from others in the market is that it is 100% biodegradable. Nothing is wasted, everything can be reused multiple times. Low-cost, good quality, non-toxic.

The project is conducted in partnership with Messe Düsseldorf GmbH and CIFAL Istanbul, part of the United Nations Training and Research Institute UNITAR. As a team Packoby, we worked together with a multidisciplinary team and as a result of our work, we became one of the two finalist teams. We developed our bio-packaging, and the project was presented at Interpack 2023 within the forum Spotlight Talks & Trends, held in Germany.

Interview with the Packoby Team:

Q: Working with biomaterials as a designer must have been a unique experience. Can you share your thoughts on it?
İrem Çavuş (Industrial Designer): Working with biomaterials as a designer was a truly unique experience. The flexibility of the material allowed for its production in various sizes and thicknesses, offering endless possibilities for creative exploration. Witnessing a living structure emerge and grow throughout the process was a truly remarkable and inspiring sight. It was an incredible journey to combine design principles with the dynamic nature of biomaterials, resulting in a project that harmoniously blends innovation and sustainability.

Q: Merve, as an industrial engineering student, what were some notable milestones during this project?
Merve Mutlu (Industrial Engineering Student): I found immense pleasure in the process of forging new alliances and gaining profound insights into sustainable packaging. Through distinct phases, we reached an extraordinary culmination. Throughout this journey, I experienced remarkable milestones, from creating the Packoby identity to presenting at the prestigious Interpack, the world’s foremost packaging fair. I extend my appreciation to my teammates and deep gratitude to the esteemed BAU and Cifal family, whose support fostered an environment of growth and achievement.

Q: Boutheina, can you tell us about the unique features of Packoby and its contribution to sustainability?
Boutheina Zender (Bioengineer): Incorporating bacteria processes into design tools brings innovative and biodegradable material to our project Packoby. By utilizing bacteria’s ability to produce cellulose biofilms, Packoby offers a biodegradable alternative to plastic food packaging. The bacteria are fed with food waste, promoting resource efficiency, and addressing food waste management. This sustainable approach aligns with the principles of a circular economy and has the potential for widespread adoption. Packoby’s focus on bacteria processes and cellulose biofilms contributes to a greener and more sustainable future.

The Packoby team’s journey has been marked by collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. Their interdisciplinary approach has resulted in a remarkable bio-packaging solution that addresses environmental concerns while offering a viable alternative to traditional plastic packaging. With their unique perspectives and expertise, the Packoby team is making significant strides toward a more sustainable future.