Sustainable and Novel Food Packaging based on Agroindustrial Byproducts and Natural Antimicrobials from the Mediterranean Area
SuN4Med is a Mediterranean collaborative research project dedicated to developing a new generation of sustainable, biodegradable, and antimicrobial food packaging and coatings. Designed to combat food loss and improve safety across the food supply chain, the project replaces non-biodegradable, petrochemical packaging with eco-friendly alternatives derived from local agro-industrial waste streams. Grounded in circular economy principles and green chemistry, SuN4Med combines bio-based polymer processing with natural active agents and digital technologies.
SuN4Med explores how Mediterranean agricultural byproducts—such as hazelnut, almond, peach, prickly pear, citrus, and grape pomace residues—can be transformed into advanced functional biopolymers. By extracting cellulose, pectin, and starch and reinforcing them with fillers (hydroxyapatite and mucilage) and natural antimicrobials, the project develops packaging films with enhanced mechanical strength, flexibility, and barrier performance. The ambition is to advance these eco-solvated biocomposites from scientific proof-of-concept (TRL 2) to industry-ready laboratory and field demonstrators (TRL 5–6).
SuN4Med integrates computational science and digital technology into sustainable packaging development through Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision tools. These intelligent classification systems automate the triage and characterization of industrial raw fruit and agricultural waste streams (provided by industrial partner Iberfruta), ensuring optimal biopolymer extraction, standardized feedstocks, and scalable manufacturing.
SuN4Med brings together 12 partners—comprising 8 academic and research institutions and 4 industrial leaders—combining complementary capabilities in materials science, green chemistry, digital technologies, and food processing:
Countries represented: Spain, Tunisia, France, Morocco, Turkey, and Germany.
SuN4Med bridges fundamental biopolymer research with prototype manufacturing and industrial applications. By marrying eco-designed biocomposites with AI-driven quality control and active antimicrobial functionality, the project establishes a practical path toward reducing food waste, eliminating single-use petrochemical plastics, and strengthening sustainable agrifood supply chains across the Mediterranean region and Europe.
Senior Researcher in Polymer Materials, Nanocomposites and Sustainable Materials Engineering
Sherif Keshk specialises in polymer materials, nanocomposites and sustainable materials engineering.
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Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) require high proton conductivity, stability, and durability for fuel cell applications. This study reports the synthesis of N-(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonyl) chitosan (CSB) via Schiff base functionalization with 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) and the…
View detailsThis work examined the effects of four plasticizers, glycerol (GLY), potassium phosphate (PHOS), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and soy lecithin (SL), on the structural, surface, thermal, optical, and mechanical properties of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) films. FTIR spectra demonstrated…
View detailsThis work presents the in-situ synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in an oxidized polyvinyl alcohol (OPVA) matrix, which greatly enhances the final nanocomposites optical, mechanical, and proton conductive properties. Zinc acetate was used as a…
View detailsA novel solid biopolymer electrolyte (SBPE) hybrid was developed by directly linking oxidized polyvinyl alcohol (OPVA) with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) via ester formation. The CMC used in this study had a degree of substitution (DS) of…
View detailsThe scalable production of high-quality copper oxide (CuO) thin films remains challenging for semiconductor and gas sensor applications. This study presents an optimized aerosol droplet method (AMD) that enhances film uniformity and crystallinity through improved substrate…
View detailsAlternative proton exchange membranes (PEMs) with high proton conductivity must be fabricated at reasonable costs to qualify as commercially used proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).
View detailsChitosan (CS) is a naturally occurring biopolymer that is readily accessible and widely used in various industrial applications. However, its low proton conductivity, particularly at elevated temperatures, poses challenges for its application as a proton exchange…
View detailsSulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) has received substantial attention for its potential to improve the electrochemical behavior and thermomechanical capabilities of direct methanol fuel cells. This study examines how the integration by solution casting of…
View detailsOS (olive stones) are a type of lingo-cellulosic biomass that is generated as a by-product in the olive oil industry. In this investigation, the EC (extracted cellulose) from the olive stones was modified with CTAB (cetyl…
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