Competence Center for Sustainable and Future Oriented Packaging Solutions

Food contact materials (packaging) made of plastic, paper and coated metals can contain substances in the form of impurities or transformation and decomposition products that are harmful to health and can migrate into the products through direct contact (e.g. food, pharmaceuticals). In vitro assays play an increasingly important role in the detection of these NIAS (Non Intentionally Added Substances) and are becoming a realistic alternative to animal experiments. Together with the FH Campus Wien research field "Cell Based Test Systems" and external partners, successful projects were initiated, methods developed and European excellence established. These should be further expanded, including the high degree of networking with the industry and the scientific community.

A holistically optimized packaging system represents an important lever for conserving natural resources and reducing food losses and waste. For the systematic holistic assessment of these systems, expertise has already been developed in the field of research and comprehensive possibilities (software, databases) for the calculation of life cycle assessments of packaging have been created. In addition, several projects for waste prevention and resource conservation as well as ecologically sustainable packaging development have already been started. This also includes skills training to help companies improve the environmental sustainability of their product packaging systems.