REDYSIGN achieves a significant milestone in fresh meat packaging

EUROPE – The REDYSIGN project, a significant European Research and Innovation initiative focusing on the development of resource-efficient processes for the production and circularisation of biobased, recyclable, and innovative fibre-based packaging (FBP) alternatives for fresh meat distribution, has achieved a significant milestone to improve tracking in the sector.

The project’s second field of development aims to enhance the sorting of bio-contaminated fresh meat packaging by integrating identification markers and digital sorting technologies.

This will improve tracking in the sector, a breakthrough that promises to revolutionize the industry.

One of the core technologies of the REDYSIGN project is the integration of specific identification markers into each component of fresh meat packaging.

The markers include the tray, absorbent pad, and lidding film, facilitating accurate sorting and optimizing sanitation treatments.

Over the project’s first 18 months, the collaborative efforts of Fábrica Nacional de la Moneda y Timbre-Real Casa de la Moneda (FNMT), Tecnalia, and PACKBENEFIT have been instrumental. Together, we’ve developed detection systems for both tracking markers and pollutants, a significant step forward in our shared mission.

The partners have deployed advanced sensors and imaging technologies such as RAMAN, NIR, and RGB to identify organic contaminants in absorbent pads and integrate specific markers.

The success of incorporating trays thermoformed by PACKBENEFIT is a significant achievement for the RAMAN marker developed by FNMT.

Tecnalia has tested the marker’s detection efficiency in both static and dynamic conditions, and its potential for effective FBP sorting and recycling has been validated.

RAMAN spectroscopy has been used to provide chemical and structural information about the packaging materials as well as near-infrared technology has been used to evaluate organic components.

The creation of AI models by combining machine vision and spectroscopy has enabled the visual delineation of contaminated surfaces and the correlation of visual data with chemical composition.

Tecnalia’s research has highlighted the effectiveness of spectroscopic sensors in detecting contaminants on food tray pads.

The adjustment of the maximum movement speed of the sample along the surface will be the next project’s focus, aiming to optimise its applicability in industrial technology.

It’s no secret that the world is facing a significant pollution problem, particularly in the production of large quantities of plastic products for fresh food packaging. This is why the work done by REDYSIGN project is so important and urgent.

The REDYSIGN project is not just about achieving milestones; it’s about making a significant impact. By reducing energy consumption in packaging production and mitigating CO2 emissions, we’re paving the way for a more sustainable future. This should give us all hope and optimism for the potential of our work.

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