Driven by the new European sustainability directives, the food packaging industry is moving toward increasingly innovative and responsible solutions. A recent study has validated the effectiveness and safety of a new type of biodegradable packaging that not only extends the shelf life of strawberries but also helps significantly reduce microbial growth.

The materials developed by the team of Italian researchers are fully compliant with current EU food contact regulations and mark a tangible step forward in reducing plastic use in the agri-food sector. This achievement is part of the broader OnFoods project, funded by Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), and contributes to the development of biodegradable, compostable packaging solutions aligned with evolving EU legislation.

Sustainable innovation to enhance food preservation

Researchers from ENEA, in collaboration with the University of Tuscia and packaging company Ilip, conducted a study to evaluate a packaging solution made from biopolymers enriched with natural antimicrobial agents such as chitosan, nisin, gallium, and essential oils. The tests focused on "Favette" strawberries - a local variety from the Lazio region known for its high quality and short shelf life. The samples packaged with the new material showed a marked reduction in microbial load compared to the control group, with freshness extended up to 12 days.

Analyses carried out in partnership with the IBA Institute in Bucharest further confirmed the safety of the material for food contact, in line with European standards, while also highlighting its strong bactericidal action - effectively inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth in comparison to untreated samples. The approach also stands out for its scalability, offering promising applications for the broader food and fresh produce industry.

EU Regulation 2025/40: new rules to cut packaging waste

With the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2025/40, the European Union has introduced binding targets to reduce packaging waste throughout the product life cycle. The regulation promotes reuse and restricts certain types of single-use packaging. Key measures include reducing packaging weight and volume, eliminating unnecessary packaging, and enforcing strict limits on potentially harmful substances - such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in food packaging.

Targets include a reduction in packaging waste of 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040 compared to 2018 levels. The focus extends beyond recycling, encouraging the use of alternative materials and strategies aimed at minimizing overall packaging use.

Given that around 60% of all packaging placed on the EU market each year is linked to the food sector, it's clear that systemic change is needed. The EU generates roughly 88 million tonnes of packaging annually, much of which is still single-use. In this context, the solution developed by ENEA offers a compelling vision for a more sustainable production model - one that balances shelf-life, food safety, and environmental performance.