The EU-funded team of researchers, a consortium consisting of experts from Germany, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Hungary and Slovenia and led by the Spain-based Patronal de la Petita i Mitjana Empresa de Catalunya (PIMEC) has developed a new biomaterial from whey protein.
The researchers have also developed a commercially viable method of producing multifunctional films on an industrial scale.
For the WHEYLAYER (Whey protein-coated plastic films to replace expensive polymers and increase recyclability) project, the natural ingredients in the whey extend the shelf life of food products.
WHEYLAYER project has secured more than €2.5m under the 'Research for the Benefit of small and medium-sized enterprises, Seventh Framework Programme Capacities Work Programme of the EU and developed a new, sustainable food packaging product.
The industry will be benefited from the results of the project as it will help keep their food products safe from oxygen, moisture, and chemical and biological contamination.
