The growing environmental concerns over plastic waste have fueled a global search for biodegradable alternatives. This presentation explores a novel approach to edible and eco-friendly packaging derived from agro-industrial by-products—specifically, defatted seed cake and natural plant leaf extracts. Our research focuses on integrating protein-rich seed cakes (e.g., from sesame or black seed oil) with bioactive compounds extracted from olive and guava leaves to produce sustainable films with functional benefits. Using pectin as a film-forming base, we developed composite edible films that are not only biodegradable and water-soluble but also possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The materials were processed at low temperatures and tested for mechanical integrity, barrier properties, microbial stability, and shelf-life performance when used as packaging for dehydrated food items. Our findings demonstrate that this approach offers a dual benefit: reducing agricultural waste and replacing conventional plastic with a food-grade, compostable alternative. This aligns with circular economy principles and addresses pressing sustainability challenges in the food packaging industry. Through this session, participants will gain insight into the formulation, production techniques, and commercial potential of bio-based films, as well as explore opportunities for scaling this innovation across various sectors in the Mediterranean region and beyond.

Conference Title

SUMMER SCHOOL Exploitation of biological waste for novel added-value products

Conference Country

Italy

Conference Date

July 14, 2025 - July 17, 2025

Conference Sponsor

SIB

Additional Info

Conference Website