Tests for a fiber package dedicated to precooked meals

The world is facing a steady increase in the consumption of precooked dishes. Beyond the consequences of this "diet" for human health, the packaging of such meals is very harmful to the environment. The black plastic used in pre-cooked packaging generates enormous problems of waste management since the lasers that process the waste to be recycled can not easily identify what type of material it is.

Consumers and producers, concerned about the impact of this type of packaging, agree to use more sustainable materials. The supermarkets have also agreed to gradually eliminate this type of packaging, a task in which a team of researchers and scientists financed by European funds will work.

A new tray designed by the Finnish container manufacturer Huhtamaki offers a viable alternative to black plastic. Developed in collaboration with the partners of the FRESH, Södra and SaladWorks project, the product is part of an effort to sell biological packaging for ready meals in the UK market.

The company tested its fiber-based packaging in May and June in two pre-cooked dishes of Italian cuisine. "We are confident that the new proposal will be well received and that it will be a turning point for the adoption of biological packaging in this segment," said Steve Davey de Huhtamaki in an article in the magazine "Packaging Europe". Recognizing the need for alternatives based on renewable materials, Huhtamaki is confident that the tests will lead to the adoption of biological packaging in this segment.

In a notice published on the website of the Finnish company it is explained that the new material has the texture of the board and is created with fiber derived from sources certified by the Forest Management Council. Created in 1993, this council works to ensure that forests around the world are managed in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

Developed by Södra, partner of FRESH, this renewable material is called Durapulp and is a biocomposite based on a mixture of cellulose and polylactic acid (PLA) that does not include genetically modified organisms in its raw material. "It is a renewable and adequate alternative for storing sensitive products such as food," said Catrin Gustavsson, Senior Vice President of Innovation and New Business Opportunities in Södra.

The FRESH project (FRESH - Fully bio based and bio degradable ready meal packaging), which will last three and a half years until 2020, aims to generate innovative alternatives based on high quality cellulose to the trays of plastics derived from fossil fuels through a new lamination technology. The objectives of the project are to achieve a much lower environmental footprint (a CO2 reduction of more than 80%) during the life cycle of the project compared to other packaging materials based on fossil fuels. Its general objective is to offer a complete value chain, from the production of materials to the end user, in which the technical and economic feasibility of an alternative to the containers for pre-cooked meals is fully biological and biodegradable.

The final product of FRESH could offer important environmental, economic and even job creation advantages. It would also demonstrate that it is an element of change for the distributors, the catering companies -for example, airlines and home food services for the elderly- and missions in remote areas that cover both civilian and military needs.

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Six sentences about biodiversity

We collect six sentences about the importance of conserving the planet's biodiversity:

"It is a basic error to treat the Earth as if it were a business in liquidation." Herman Daly, economist.

"The species are like bricks in the construction of a building, we can lose one or two dozen bricks without the house wobbling, but if 20% of the species disappears, the entire structure is destabilized and collapses. ecosystem". Donald Falk, ecologist at the University of Arizona (USA).

"Natural species constitute the library with which genetic engineers work." Thomas E. Lovejoy, conservationist.

"Every time we lose a species we break a chain of life that has evolved over 3,500 million years." Jeffrey McNeely, IUCN scientist.

"Destroying the rainforests for money is like using a Renaissance artwork to make a fire to prepare dinner." E.O. Wilson, biologist.

"Once a species is extinguished, no law can make it return: it has left forever." Allen M. Solomon, ecologist.

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Plocan, a boost to the Blue Economy

The objective of the future multifunctional ocean complexes will be to promote and optimize the management of maritime space in coherence with the Blue Economy concept promoted by the European Commission.

Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) is a marine research and technology laboratory funded by the EU, the Spanish Government and the Government of the Canary Islands. Installed 1.5 kilometers from the northeast coast of the island of Gran Canaria, it welcomes teams of scientists working in fields such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and in the study and observation of the ocean.

This initiative contributes to the Blue Economy promoted by the European Commission, which seeks to create employment and wealth in the marine and maritime sectors, in a way that respects the environment. Thus, the research and technologies developed in PLOCAN will eventually reach society in the form of sustainable products and businesses.

One of the new initiatives of PLOCAN is the REDSUB project, an electrical network to support experimentation and testing of new technologies that use marine energy resources to generate electricity and connect technologies for observation at increasing depths. The system consists of predominantly submarine wiring capable of transporting energy to earth up to 15 MW.

TROPOS, the ocean of tomorrow

PLOCAN has led the TROPOS project, co-financed by the European Commission and developed over 36 months in three regions: a tropical one, Taiwan; a subtropical, Canary Islands; and a Mediterranean, Crete.

This initiative has consisted of the design of a multifunctional oceanic complex that integrates the exploitation of oceanic energy resources -especially the wind-, aquaculture, maritime transport related to both sectors and leisure, in three regions.

The TROPOS project was chosen by the European Commission within the framework of The Ocean of Tomorrow program, which proposes "joining research efforts to face the challenges of ocean management" through the development of multifunctional complexes.

TROPOS aims to optimize the use of maritime space, in anticipation of the perspective of global population growth and the current limitation of land space in coastal areas and their subsequent degradation. The program had a financing of 14 million euros, of which 4.9 were for TROPOS.

The objective of these future multifunctional ocean complexes would be to combine different sectors of activity to promote and optimize maritime space management in coherence with the Blue Economy concept promoted by the European Commission.

The complexes would be adapted to deep waters and would allow the exploitation of the oceanic resources and their interrelation with the economy and the environment. TROPOS, promoted by PLOCAN, in addition to energy, aquaculture and transport, introduced leisure as a differentiating element, proposing recreational activities (floating restaurants, sailing, diving ...) and observation of cetaceans and birds.

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Ecological hotels, the best bet to attract millennial tourism

Forests are one of the great gifts of nature: they are not only a symbol of life, but they offer quiet spaces where the guest can relax, disconnect and recover energy and inspiration. Millennials are increasingly committed to a healthy lifestyle and green hotels are gaining more and more followers. Nature regains prominence, so designing a hotel in rural and forested areas has turned into a winning bet.

Booking.com proposes as an example these seven ecological hotels surrounded by lush forests. These paradisiacal accommodations, with their beautiful surroundings, can offer future entrepreneurs ideas of success for future projects.

Planet Zero Retreat, Anji, China

This resort, located in Anji and 5 kilometers from the Anji Zhongnan Scenic Gardens Area, has reduced the carbon footprint to its minimum expression. It offers rooms in the shape of a sphere surrounded by a beautiful bamboo forest. Travelers can use the free bicycles offered by the resort to explore the unspoiled nature of the surroundings of the Planet Zero Retreat or relax on the terrace while enjoying a drink.

Treehotel, Harads, Sweden

The iconic Treehotel is located in a pine forest in northern Sweden and is a unique accommodation that combines the most modern architecture and design with all the amenities you need to feel at home. Its ecological rooms were built with the environment in mind, and the kitchen serves typical game dishes with ingredients from the area.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Oak Beach, Australia

Thala Beach Nature Reserve is a place of retirement respectful with the environment and is located on the coast, in an area with more than 56 hectares of native tropical forest. It has a private beach and stunning views of the Coral Sea.

This eco-friendly accommodation features boutique-style bungalows made of wood, an organic coconut plantation and natural granite pools with waterfalls. Take the opportunity to live in full virgin nature in an area full of trails to enjoy the flora and fauna, and with a wide range of bird watching tours.

Whitepod, Monthey, Switzerland

This exclusive accommodation offers several capsules anchored to a wooden platform and surrounded by a virgin forest located at 1,400 meters above sea level. Each capsule has a pellet stove, windows overlooking the valley and a small terrace from where you can enjoy nature and the incredible views of the wooded mountain range.

A Walden's Pond, Soldotna, USA

Walden's Pond is an ideal place for those looking for a beautiful cabin in the middle of the forest, to be surrounded by nature and receive a friendly treatment from their friendly hosts. According to Booking.com travelers, this accommodation is a hidden treasure in the middle of nature in Alaska, where you will have the feeling of living a great adventure in a remote area of ​​dense boreal forest.

Casa Luna Hotel & Spa, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

The Casa Luna Hotel & Spa is located on the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano National Park. It is an ecological accommodation with infinite views of the volcano and the virgin forest. If you want to connect with nature, here you will be surrounded by lush forests and you will have the Fortuna Waterfall just 2 km away.

Marataba Safari Lodge, Hartbeestfontein, South Africa

The Marataba Safari Lodge awaits you with its elegantly decorated shops, made of stone and fabric. It is located in the Marakele National Park, located at the foot of the Waterberg Mountains. This beautiful lodge offers guided safaris to see wildlife, hiking trails and river trips. You can enjoy meals outdoors under an African acacia, or relax on their lounge chairs by the pool, and even enjoy a good book in its spacious living room with fireplace.

Mas Salagros EcoResort, Spain

Just 20 minutes from Barcelona, ​​in the middle of a natural reserve, Mas Salagros EcoResort is found, surrounded by beautiful views of the protected park of the Serralada Litoral. Submerged in a slow philosophy, it is an ideal place to enjoy 100% ecological gastronomy. It also has Roman baths and endless sustainable activities. The Mas Salagros project was created with the intention of offering something more than a hotel, betting on responsible and sustainable tourism.

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