Recyclable Food Packaging for Europe

Around 390 million tonnes of plastic are produced worldwide every year. A large proportion of this is used for packaging, yet less than half is recycled. When plastic waste enters the environment, it can break down into microplastics and cause long-term damage to ecosystems.

The goal of the "MAGNO" research project is therefore to gradually transform the linear value chain of food packaging into a circular economy. To achieve this, the international project team is developing sustainable packaging solutions, bio-based material alternatives, and innovative business models for the European food sector.

A key tool within the project is a digital twin of the value chain. This enables new concepts and changes throughout the entire packaging lifecycle to be digitally simulated and evaluated.

Developing Comprehensive Packaging Solutions

Fraunhofer IVV contributes its expertise in the development and assessment of food packaging to the "MAGNO" research project. The primary focus is on packaging design, addressing the question of how packaging can be made more resource-efficient while continuing to provide reliable protection for food products. In addition, Fraunhofer IVV is responsible for the technical coordination of the overall project.

As a foundation for this work, the consortium first examined the entire value chain of food packaging, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life. This included assessing the potential impacts of microplastics on ecosystems and human health, as well as identifying suitable business models.

Based on these findings, the project team is developing strategies for sustainable food packaging and investigating which approaches show the greatest promise. Using the digital twin, different concepts and changes throughout the packaging lifecycle can be systematically compared and evaluated.