Since its inception in 2021, the EU-funded SISTERS project has been at the forefront of the battle against food waste throughout the supply chain. A significant contributor to this initiative, PROEXPORT – the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Exporters of the Region of Murcia, Spain – has undertaken trials aimed at extending the shelf life of perishable produce.
Within the European Union alone, an alarming 89 million tonnes of food are squandered annually, representing a staggering 20% of the total food production. In response, the SISTERS project has strategically deployed innovations targeting various stages of the supply chain. These innovations encompass novel tools facilitating direct and short-chain sales for farmers, pioneering packaging technologies for processors and retailers, and impactful awareness campaigns aimed at retailers and consumers to mitigate food waste.
Packaging Innovations: A Key Strategy
PROEXPORT has spearheaded trials of cutting-edge containers known as ‘BulkBox’ designed to curtail food losses of bulk products during transportation. These trials, conducted with spinach and strawberries under authentic storage conditions, juxtaposed the performance of BulkBox containers against conventional systems. Parameters such as carbon dioxide levels, relative humidity, and temperature were meticulously monitored to evaluate freshness. Notably, preliminary results, as highlighted in a statement on the SISTERS website, suggest that “the new ‘BulkBox’ packaging has the potential to prolong the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, thereby mitigating damage caused by impacts and natural aging.”
In tandem, the development of another innovative container, dubbed ‘StoreBox,’ is underway, primarily targeting packaged products. Scheduled for testing later in 2024, this container holds promise for further enhancing preservation methods. Moreover, SISTERS is actively advancing biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable food packaging solutions, poised for pilot production later this year. Real-world testing will soon follow to gauge the efficacy of these innovations in extending product shelf life.
Beyond Packaging: Holistic Approaches to Food Waste Reduction
However, the scope of SISTERS’ efforts extends beyond packaging enhancements. The project is in the process of launching an online short-chain platform, Regioneo, aimed at empowering farmers to minimize food losses by directly selling surplus fruits and vegetables. A prototype has already been developed, with plans for pilot testing and optimization in collaboration with primary producers in the coming months. Primary producers keen on participating in a complimentary trial can register via the provided link.
In parallel, SISTERS is delving into best practices for food waste reduction, envisaging the establishment of a SISTERS Seal of Excellence to commend retailers embracing these practices. Additionally, the project is devising a novel QR code label intended to furnish consumers with vital product information, including origin, environmental footprint, optimal storage methods, and expiration and consumption dates.
In summary, the SISTERS project epitomizes a concerted effort to combat food waste across the European food supply chain through multifaceted innovations and strategic interventions. As the project continues to unfold, its impact holds the potential to catalyze transformative change in the realm of food sustainability and waste reduction.
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