During this event, we were thrilled to engage with amazing projects like OLIVEPACK, QuiPack, SEEDS Project, Evolvepack, Plaminpack, BIOMEDPACK, and CERERE Project, all working towards innovative and sustainable solutions. 

A heartfelt thank you to Istanbul Bilgi University for organizing and hosting this inspiring event!  We look forward to the synergies and collaborations that will help drive us toward a more sustainable future. 

About the participating projects:

OLIVEPACK Project: 
The OLIVEPACK project develops a bio-based, antimicrobial packaging solution to extend the shelf life of naturally fermented low-salt table olives. By utilizing waste materials from olives, the project creates biodegradable, antimicrobial bionanocomposite foam inserts for packaging. These inserts, designed to replace harmful chemicals, will improve food safety and sustainability, enhancing the preservation of olives without compromising health or the environment. The project combines expertise in materials science, food microbiology, and sensory analysis to create an innovative, circular economy-based solution.

QuiPack:
QuiPack addresses food waste in the Mediterranean by developing smart, sustainable food packaging solutions. The project aims to enhance food safety, packaging sustainability, and reduce economic losses through bioeconomic principles. By improving shelf life and minimizing waste, QuiPack provides a promising response to the region’s food preservation challenges, while promoting environmental and economic sustainability.

SEEDS Project: The SEEDS project focuses on revitalizing ancient grains to boost cereal supply chain resilience in the Mediterranean, especially in Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan. By reintroducing these grains, the project promotes biodiversity, reduces crop dependency, and enhances adaptability to current conditions. SEEDS utilizes digital tools for crop monitoring and smart supply chains, engaging local communities to develop sustainable solutions. The project aims to expand its model across the region, fostering innovation and knowledge sharing to improve food security and sustainability.

Evolvepack:
The EVOLVEPACK project focuses on creating sustainable, biodegradable, and compostable food packaging from underutilized marine and agro-industrial residues. By developing active bioplastics and cellulosic materials with antimicrobial properties, the project aims to reduce food waste and improve food safety in the Mediterranean. The project involves several work packages, including material extraction, prototype development, scalability, and environmental testing, with a strong emphasis on circular economy principles. The goal is to promote eco-friendly packaging solutions that support both environmental sustainability and food preservation.

PLAMINPACK:
The PLAMINPACK project aims to develop antimicrobial, biodegradable packaging materials for perishable Mediterranean fruits, such as tangerines, strawberries, and dates. By extracting antimicrobial and antioxidant molecules from plant waste, the project focuses on enhancing food shelf life and reducing waste through packaging produced using biopolymers and insect-based processes. The project also integrates innovative tools like a database for plant waste and a digital twin model for fruit ripening. PLAMINPACK promotes circular economy practices to support the European Green Deal and sustainability in food packaging.

CERERE Project: 
The CERERE project focuses on enhancing the resilience and efficiency of cereal supply chains in the MENA region. It aims to improve network management, foster a resilience culture, and provide policy recommendations. Key activities include analyzing cereal varieties (wheat and barley), developing technology solutions like AI-driven platforms, and supporting socio-cultural changes for better supply chain performance. The project integrates products, processes, technology, and people to support sustainable agri-food systems.