FISH chitinolytic biowastes FOR FISH active and sustainable packaging material (FISH4FISH)

FISH4FISH was a three-year project funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), aimed at developing an innovative and sustainable food packaging from marine biomass waste and biorefinery residues, in order to increase fish shelf-life and serve as fertiliser and microbial preservatives for plants once wasted, therefore closing the loop between waste and consumption.

Tangible results: The project has produced its sustainable packaging based on chitinolytic derivatives from different sources of crustaceans combined with lignin waste. FISH4FISH has also validated its packaging prototypes together with its Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment and has carried out tests that showed the new Fish4Fish biopolymer composite has an antimicrobial action, is hypoallergenic, biodegradable, home compostable and has a positive effect on plant growth.

Application/relevance: From an economic point of view, this project adds new value to the fish-waste industry and increases the competitiveness of the fish-processing industry. It boosts the bio-based sector, and thanks to the prolongation of the storage time, it also benefits the food retailer sector. From an environmental point of view, FISH4FISH actively contributes to the reduction of plastic litter and fights for preservation of the marine and terrestrial environment. It also contributes to the reduction of food waste, promotes healthy soils, and takes a step forward towards the transition of a fossil-free future.