BIOCOPAC · Development of bio-based coating from tomato processing wastes intended for metal packaging

The goal of the project is to develop a bio-lacquer for the protection of metal food packaging to meet the demand for sustainable production and for the safeguarding of consumer health, at the same time increasing the competitiveness of the metal cans industry, valorizing the wastes produced by the preserved industry and reducing refuse. The core of the research is the development of a natural lacquer obtained from industrial tomato processing by-products (skins), to be appliedon the internal and external surfaces of cans for foodstuffs. The new type of packaging is a response to the needs of the SMEs involved in the project (lacquer producer, can makers and the preserving industry), to increase their economic and commercial competitiveness, by improving the quality of the metal cans. In fact, a highly innovative eco-friendly packaging is obtained which is less dangerous for consumer health and able to compete with other packaging materials, such as plastic.This aspect is very important, since metal packaging is currently perceived by the consumer as being out of date. The research starts with the analysis and characterization of tomato wastes, leading to the formulation of bio- lacquers applicable to metal materials on normal production lines. The new lacquers have as main component the biopolymer cutin extracted from the cuticle of the fruit by means of an optimized and standardized method. After the evaluation of the chemico-physical and hygiene-health (according to EU legislation) properties of the new lacquers produced, their suitabilitywill be confirmed by the production of cans and their packaging with the main food products. In this way, at the end of the project it will be possible to have a complete indication as to the use of the new lacquers in contact with food products and of their economic and environmental benefits. The RTD+I workplan is implemented by a consortium of 11 partners (4 SMEs, 3 end-users and 4 RTD performers) from 7 EU countries.