REDYSIGN, towards a bio-based and recyclable alternative for packaging of meat products

The project REDYSIGN, Funded by the CBE JU, it aims to create an innovative biopackaging for fresh meat, composed of more than 98% of wood derivatives, through the development of 12 resource-efficient processes, 2 food quality sensors and an improved recycling process.

REDYSIGN is the new project funded by the Joint Undertaking Circular Bio-based Europe (CBE) in the circular bioeconomy sector (GA nº101112521). Led by Tecnalia Research and Innovation, it was officially launched on 3 and 4 October in Bilbao with the participation of all consortium members and the CBE representative.

Through the development of 12 innovative resource-efficient technologies (energy, water and raw materials), the project will undertake the production of a new biobased, intelligent and recyclable container to replace the current plastic containers used for the distribution of fresh meat and whose recycling is currently unfeasible due to the complexity of its composition. During its four years, REDYSIGN will work on the development of the different intermediate products (the tray, the coating that has to provide the barrier effect to gases and liquids, the absorbent pad and the transparent film-lid) using almost exclusively wood derivatives (macro-, micro- and nano-lignocellulosic fibres, lignin and sugars). In addition, the package will incorporate two sensors to prevent food waste: one to detect decay processes early and another to analyze interruptions in the cold chain during distribution and storage.

The project will also implement two innovations to improve recycling efficiency. The first involves the use of identification markers that will allow these potentially biologically contaminated products to be classified in the waste treatment plant. The second is based on the application of advanced oxidation treatments to disinfect the containers and, at the same time, reduce the energy consumption in the subsequent fiber recovery operation, so that the recycling process is also more energy efficient.

To carry out the project, a multidisciplinary consortium has been formed composed of 13 partners from 7 European countries that brings together some of the most relevant actors in the bio-industries sector: Tecnalia Research and Innovation, PackBenefit, Metgen, Eroski, National Currency and Stamp Factory, Valmet Technologies, Fibenol, Mcairlaid’s Vliesstoffe, HOLOSS, VTT, LIFT-PFI, Zabala Innovation and Fenix TNT.