The MAGNO project has successfully completed its first year, building the foundations for the next phase of its mission to revolutionize packaging sustainability in Europe’s food systems. Backed by the European Green Deal and the EU 2030 climate targets, MAGNO is poised to tackle the growing challenge of food packaging waste, microplastic health and environmental impacts as well as packaging pollution.
Year One Highlights
During this third consortium meeting in Porto (Portugal) and hosted by Holoss, MAGNO focused on showcasing the current findings of the project, including five reviews of different key topics that will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Further, the consortium designed preparatory actions that brought stakeholders together and outlined innovative pathways for reducing food packaging pollution. These efforts focused on mapping Europe’s diverse ecosystems (materials used, business models and food packaging practices) and quantifying environmental and health impacts of plastic packaging pollution, have helped to set the stage for a digital transformation in food packaging through the development of an Ecosystem Digital Twin that will facilitate the transformation of linear production value chains into circular ones, supporting the achievement of the EU’s policy goals for 2030.
What’s Next: The Technical Sprint
With preparations complete, MAGNO is shifting gears into its second phase, where technical advancements will take the center stage. The next steps are anchored in four pivotal Work Packages (WPs), each targeting a specific aspect of sustainable packaging innovation:
• Packaging manufacturing practices: To delve into innovative food packaging solutions by analyzing raw materials, including alternatives to fossil-based options, and optimizing design and production methods. By integrating waste-reduction strategies, the project aims to develop efficient, eco-friendly manufacturing practices that redefine industry standards.
• Packaging use in the food system: To identify harmful food packaging materials, assess their environmental and health impacts, optimize packaging practices for industry stakeholders, and shape future standards and legislation.
• Sustainability and end of life options: To pinpoint best practices for sustainable food packaging to curb pollution, exploring diverse end-of-life options for plastics, and assessing the environmental, economic, and social impacts across the value chain. The project also seeks to introduce innovative circular solutions to revolutionize the food system.
• Consumer acceptance and Innovative circular business model: To address consumer needs and perceptions through market analysis, paving the way for innovative business strategies. By leveraging findings to optimize the sector, the project aims to engage consumers in tackling environmental pollution and provide actionable solutions. A dedicated web platform incorporating citizen science tools will further enhance participation and drive sustainable change.
A Unified Effort
The show must go on and the MAGNO consortium is committed to delivering results that not only will improve food packaging sustainability but also drive a systemic transformation in Europe’s food value chain. This ambitious project aims to position the EU as a global leader in sustainable packaging innovation. In the meantime, stay tuned to our social media channel to receive the latest news of our work.
