• A project that plans to design eco-packaging from organic kombucha waste

• Industrial symbiosis initiative to promote innovative solutions in the packaging sector to reduce waste and CO2 emissions

  
  

Within the framework of the Competitiveness Strengthening Initiatives (IRC) 2024, promoted by ACCIÓ of the Generalitat de Catalunya, OrganicUP is born, a collaborative project that is committed to sustainability and the circular economy in the packaging sector. With the participation of several leading companies and entities, the project seeks to transform organic waste from kombucha production into biomaterials for the design of biodegradable and recyclable packaging.

OrganicUP's main mission is to establish a virtuous circle between producers, packers and consumers to significantly reduce organic waste and promote sustainable materials in the packaging sector. Its objectives include the transformation of waste into resources, which consists of converting surplus kombucha waste, called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast), into high-quality biodegradable biomaterials. It also supports sustainable design, developing recyclable and biodegradable packaging that adapts to market needs. At a technological level, the project promotes technological innovation, implementing blockchain technologies to guarantee the traceability of materials and promote the circular economy. Finally, OrganicUP includes a pilot test and industrialization, with the aim of validating the new materials through prototypes and evaluating their commercial viability and their multiple applications in the packaging sector.

OrganicUP is expected to generate innovative solutions for the packaging sector, promoting the reduction of waste and associated CO2 emissions. The expected results include a biodegradable biomaterial designed for packaging applications, functional prototypes of packaging manufactured with waste generated in the production of kombucha, a blockchain-based traceability system that guarantees the origin and sustainable recycling of packaging, and communication and dissemination actions to promote the replicability of the project in other companies and industrial sectors.

The OrganicUP project is a collective initiative that has the participation of several prominent entities and companies. Packaging Cluster, as coordinator and manager of the project, leads this initiative with the collaboration of Batllegroup, which is in charge of the eco-design of the packaging, and BAU, University Center for Arts and Design, which provides its specialized knowledge in the research of biobased materials. It is also part of the Blue Room Innovation consortium, responsible for the development of the traceability system using blockchain, while Tallers Soteras is in charge of the prototyping and pilot testing phase. For its part, FLIPO Eyewear participates as a user company, leading the definition of requirements for the new packaging. In addition. This consortium combines the experience and knowledge of various sectors to provide an innovative and sustainable response to current market needs.

The project is financed through ACCIÓ which, through the IRC program, promotes strategic projects for business competitiveness and innovation in Catalonia. With a budget of almost 100,000 euros, the project marks a step forward in the search for more environmentally friendly solutions.

OrganicUP not only seeks to solve an environmental problem, but also to generate economic and social impact, positioning the participating companies as pioneers in the development of sustainable packaging materials and solutions. This intersectoral collaboration represents a unique opportunity to promote sustainability and the circular economy in a key sector for the future.

Amb el suport d'ACCIÓ