ZeroCup
Development of Innovative, Sustainable, and Smart packaging to Replace Disposable Options Currently Used for Bulk Food Products

Challenge

The growing need for sustainable solutions in the food packaging industry presents a significant challenge: replacing the current disposable packaging used for bulk products with an innovative, reusable, and technologically advanced alternative. This project aims to meet this demand by developing a smart and sustainable packaging solution that not only eliminates plastic waste but also enhances consumer experience and supply chain efficiency.

The main challenge of this project lies in balancing sustainability, technological innovation, and commercial viability. Implementing this solution requires not only advancements in eco-friendly materials and efficient production processes but also overcoming logistical and market adoption barriers. By addressing these challenges, the project seeks to redefine bulk consumption, promoting a more responsible model aligned with the principles of the circular economy.

Solution

The proposed solution comprises a reusable container with a unique digital imprint, incorporating RFID/NFC technology and a QR code. This innovation will enable access to detailed information about the stored product, including its expiration date, origin, and complete traceability throughout its life cycle. Additionally, the packaging will be integrated into a system that monitors its use from production to controlled recycling, ensuring material circularity and efficient reuse.

The coordinator, ZEROO, will be responsible for defining and operationally validating the new packaging, ensuring its integration into the Zeroo Smart Packaging commercial solution aimed at bulk consumption. IPN will play a key role in material selection, development of production technologies, eco-design, and life cycle assessment of the packaging, ensuring its environmental and economic feasibility.

Complementing this consortium, TJ Moldes and RTJ Plásticos will be responsible for developing the moulding tools and injection technologies, as well as integrating digital systems, which are essential for the future large-scale production of the packaging.

Objectives, Activities and Results expected / achieved

The project proposes an innovative approach to developing a sustainable, reusable, and smart packaging solution by integrating interconnected components across the material, digital, and technological domains. The methodology employed ensures scientific background and utilizes approaches aimed at creating a comprehensive solution that surpasses existing market alternatives. This emphasis on the efficient connection between material, digital, and technological elements defines the project's uniqueness, contributing to innovation on a broader scale within the sustainable packaging market.

To achieve this objective, the following activities will be carried out:
1. Selection of candidate materials and associated technologies
2. Characterization and suitability testing of materials
3. Ecodesign of the Zerocup packaging
4. Industrial production and configuration of associated digital systems
5. Suitability assessment in both laboratory and real-use environments