Project description
Solution to combat food waste and extend shelf life
Food waste is a pressing issue, with alarming amounts of fresh produce discarded daily across the EU. The EU-funded Cronogard project aims to address this problem by extending the shelf life of perishable goods and reducing waste in the food industry. Specifically, it will bring to market an organic-inorganic active filler with a lamellar structure capable of bonding with essential molecules like antimicrobials, antioxidants and antibacterials. By applying this filler via coating, injection molding or spray drying, the project aims to revolutionise packaging solutions for boxes, trays, cans and films. The European market for active and intelligent packaging provides a lucrative opportunity for the project’s patented technology.
Objective
Nice Filler (NF) is working to introduce on the market for food packaging solutions an innovative advanced material
technology platform (cronogard) based on an organic-inorganic active filler, edible and biocompatible, characterized by a
lamellar structure able to intercalate with ionic bonds active molecules (antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibacterial), capable of
maintain or improving the quality of food and to extend the food shelf life. Indeed, cronogard can be applied with different
techniques (coating, injection molding, spray dying) to all kind of food packaging solutions (boxes, trays, cans, films) thus
bringing value to the entire value chain, from the packaging industry, to the food industry, to the large organized distribution,
to the final consumer of fresh goods.
The market for active and intelligent packaging is enormous and based on large volumes. In Europe it is expected to grow
from $17.28 billion in 2014 to $19.68 billion by the end of 2020 at a CAGR of 2.19%. NF, with its proprietary and patented
technology, aims at becoming a leader in the provision of the filler for all kind of packaging solutions, dealing with the most
relevant players to offer an extraordinarily performing packaging solution, to the benefit of the European food industry, which
is traditionally rich of fresh, high-quality products (dairy, fruits, meat).
Once the project activities will be completed and cronogard will enter the market, NF is expected to grow significantly
through sales of the filler and to reach estimated revenues in the range of 40 M € in 2022, with an international reach, a 46%
enticing EBITDA, and an ambitious hiring plan for over 20 qualified professionals. Through control of the production facilities
and the related know-how, the company will retain a competitive edge and a leadership position in Europe and abroad,
proudly concurring to the economic growth, but also the reduction of food waste in a world of changing food consumption
habits.
Fields of science
- agricultural sciencesanimal and dairy sciencedairy
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturehorticulturefruit growing
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and films
- medical and health scienceshealth sciencesnutrition
- engineering and technologyother engineering and technologiesfood technologyfood packaging
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.2.1.2. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Nanotechnologies Main Programme
- H2020-EU.2.1.5. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies - Advanced manufacturing and processing
- H2020-EU.2.1.3. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies - Advanced materials
- H2020-EU.2.3.1. - Mainstreaming SME support, especially through a dedicated instrument
Funding Scheme
SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2Coordinator
80133 NAPOLI NA
Italy
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.