A revolutionary project in the bio-packaging industry
The Bio4Pak project has the potential to revolutionise the production of safe and environmentally friendly packaging for food products. Its aim is to develop biodegradable and functional bioplastic packaging solutions that are better aligned with existing recycling systems and real market needs. The solutions being developed are expected to enhance the safety and shelf life of food products - particularly meat products, including poultry - while at the same time reducing plastic waste and minimising the environmental impact of food packaging.
Key outcomes of the meeting in Lodz
Over the course of two intensive days, consortium members:
- discussed the main objectives and long-term vision of the Bio4Pak project,
- conducted workshops that generated valuable technical and strategic insights,
- agreed on next steps, role allocation, and cooperation principles within individual work packages.
Discussions extended beyond scientific and technical topics. Partners also addressed issues related to the commercialisation of project results, intellectual property protection, and strategies to ensure that the developed solutions move beyond the research phase and achieve real-world application and market uptake.
Beyond the official agenda, the kick-off meeting also provided an excellent opportunity to build personal relationships among representatives of the institutions involved in the project. Participants shared experiences and perspectives, strengthening professional ties that are essential for long-term collaboration. The visit was complemented by a guided tour of Lodz led by the renowned guide Justyna Tomaszewska, who introduced guests to the city’s unique history and character.
A winning project and €4 million in funding
It is worth recalling that at the beginning of 2025, the Bio4Pak project (Biodegradable Bio-based Bioactive Packaging Technology for Supporting Food Safety) was recognised by the European Commission as a breakthrough initiative for the food packaging industry and awarded nearly €4 million in funding under the Horizon Europe – EIC Pathfinder Challenges programme. Securing funding within this highly competitive programme is a major distinction for the entire consortium: out of 401 submitted proposals, only 31 projects received funding, with Bio4Pak being one of six winning projects under Challenge 3, focused on innovative packaging materials.
The University of Lodz serves as the project’s lead and coordinator. Notably, this is the first project in the history of the EIC Pathfinder Challenges programme to be coordinated by a Polish institution.
Project Partners
- University of Lodz
- University of Gdansk
- Wroclaw University of Science and Technology
- CSIC – Spanish National Research Council
- TalTech – Tallinn University of Technology
- IST-ID – Associação do Instituto Superior Técnico
- Hasselt University
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under Grant Agreement No 101223372.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Text: Bio4Pak, Patrycja Rymer (Centrum Współpracy z Otoczeniem i Społecznej Odpowiedzialności Uczelni UŁ)
Edit: Biuro Prasowe UŁ
Photographs: Mateusz Kowalski (WBiOŚ UŁ)
