AQUAPACK addresses the challenge of plastic reduction by introducing innovative biodegradable packaging materials derived from marine biomass, including micro- and macroalgae, fish processing side-streams and by-catch.
This 4-year initiative brings together 15 academic and industrial partners across 8 European countries to co-develop sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging, enhancing both environmental responsibility and product safety in the food and cosmetics supply chains.
Innovative
Expert Team
High Performance
Award Winning
Project Objectives
The overall objective of the AQUAPACK project is the development and evaluation of the effect of novel biodegradable packaging systems on the quality and safety of perishable food and cosmetics in the supply chain of the EU region and worldwide, through the introduction of economically and environmentally sustainable packaging materials based on marine biomass (micro and macro-algae, fish processing side streams and by-catch).
AQUAPACK faces the challenge of reducing plastic pollution through transnationally designed innovations for development of novel biodegradable packaging systems
Production, screening and characterization of aquatic-based bioactive compounds and extracts for application as active components in active packaging systems by replacing conventional plastics with sustainable alternatives.
1 July 2025 - AQUAPACK Project Kick-off Meeting
The AQUAPACK project officially launched with a successful kick-off meeting on 1 July 2025, marking the start of a four-year collaboration to develop sustainable, algae- and fish-based biodegradable packaging solutions for the food and cosmetics sectors. The consortium set the course for joint activities aimed at reducing plastic pollution and promoting circular economy practices through innovative packaging materials derived from aquatic biomass and side-streams.
Follow our journey as AQUAPACK promotes eco-innovation and circularity across Europe and beyond
TRAINING
Meet our secondees
Our MSCA-funded mobility scheme supports international training and knowledge exchange across academic and commercial environments. Updates coming soon.
Tsironi Τ., Velliou Ε., Arnaudin Ι., Župan Ι., Šarić Τ., Koutinas Μ., Chirivella-Martorell J., Serrano-Aroca A., Biscarini F., Power D.M., Koutinas A., Flemetakis E. Valorisation of aquatic biomass and side-streams for sustainable packaging in the blue bioeconomy: insights from the aquapack project. Aquaculture Europe 2025, Valencia, Spain, 22-25/9/2025.
Stafyli C.A., Athanasopoulou E., Konstantinidi S., Vairinhos A., Flemetakis E., Power D.M., Tsironi T. Investigating the potential of Arthrospira Platensis whole biomass for bioplastic film production. 7th International Conference on Food Science & Technology, Athens, Greece, 08-09/11/2025.
Education & public outreach
AQUAPACK places strong emphasis on engaging society and empowering the next generation of scientists. Beyond scientific dissemination the project implements a dedicated Education & Public Outreach (EPO) programme designed to increase public awareness of accelerator science sustainable materials and the role of advanced technologies in shaping future food packaging solutions.
AQUAPACK was introduced among five MSCE-SE success stories during the MSCA Staff Exchanges Info Day in Athens on 29 September 2025. Georgios Stavropoulos (KORRES) gave an insightful overview of the AQUAPACK aims and scope highlighting its innovative approach to sustainable packaging using aquatic biomass.
