GRECO
The GRECO project (Innovative bio-based, biodegradable and recyclable safe and circular food packaging) is a new initiative funded under the Horizon Europe programme, aiming to develop novel bio-based, biodegradable and recyclable solutions for food packaging. The project started on 1 May 2024, and will run until 30 April 2029, with a total budget of five million euros. The project is coordinated by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) and brings together a consortium of 21 partners from 12 European countries, including both industrial and research organizations.
The main goal of the GRECO project is to develop sustainable materials that will enable the transition from fossil-based to bio-based resources in packaging production. The project focuses on the challenges associated with the widespread use of plastics in the food sector and the limited recyclability and biodegradability of current materials. GRECO aims to develop new PLA copolymers, functional coatings and additives, emphasizing the concept of “safe and sustainable by design” materials.
Project activities are directed towards developing and upscaling new bio-based materials and applying them in both flexible and rigid food packaging, for products such as cheese, meat, fruit and nuts. Special attention is given to assessing end-of-life scenarios, including mechanical and chemical recycling as well as biodegradation under various conditions. The project also explores social and market aspects, such as consumer acceptance and compliance with European regulations, ensuring that the outcomes are applicable in practice and support the transition towards sustainable packaging systems.
Bio-Mi is a proud member of the GRECO project consortium, contributing to the segment focused on the development of bio-based compounds and formulations. Our role involves the development and optimization of materials based on biopolymers and their application in packaging systems. Bio-Mi contributes its expertise in extrusion, co-extrusion and film structure development, helping to transfer laboratory-scale innovations into industrial applications.
By participating in the GRECO project, Bio-Mi actively contributes to European efforts in building a circular bioeconomy while expanding its research and production capacities and reaffirming its commitment to developing sustainable, biodegradable, and compostable packaging solutions for the future.
More information about the project is available on the official GRECO website: https://www.greco-euproject.eu/ or the CORDIS platform: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101177661
Funded by the EU Horizon Europe program (Grant No. 101177661). Views and opinions expressed are however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.