Adcellpack, which runs until the end of October 2014, will develop a thermoplastic wood-fibre-based packaging material for trays used primarily in packages of sliced cheese.
Common MAP packaging structures are based on non-renewable multilayer materials which are difficult to recycle, said the project group.
The aim is to produce, what it calls, a fully sustainable solution that will maintain the freshness of the product and assure its food contact safety but a key challenge to address relates to ensuring barrier properties.
Adcellpack is a two-year project that started at the beginning of November 2012. The budget is €1.4m, and the project is financed by the EU (FP7-SME-2012 Research for the benefit of specific groups).
Itene Packaging, Transport and Logistics Research Centre (Spain) will co-ordinate the €1.4m-funded research effort.
The researchers have identified that materials based in cellulose can be a viable alternative to those currently used in MAP.
