The packaging industry remains heavily dependent on fossil-based plastics, materials that are non-renewable, non-biodegradable, and a major contributor to global waste. SUSHI-PACK offers a transformative alternative by harnessing renewable, bio-based resources to create safe, sustainable packaging solutions.
At its core, SUSHI-PACK combines sustainably sourced seaweed polysaccharides, such as alginate and agar with regenerated used cooking oils (RUCO), turning waste into value. By leveraging advanced metabolic engineering and biocatalysis, the project efficiently produces hydroxy fatty acids, which are then converted into high-performance, biodegradable polymers and multi-layer packaging materials.
Designed with sustainability at every stage, SUSHI-PACK integrates Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) principles, life cycle assessment (LCA), and regulatory compliance to ensure environmental, economic, and social viability. Its materials are engineered for multiple end-of-life options, including composting, biodegradation, and enzymatic recycling, closing the loop by enabling revalorization into new industrial polymers.
The result: A scalable, circular packaging solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 15% while unlocking a projected €58 million market opportunity. SUSHI-PACK is not just replacing plastic. It is redefining it for a sustainable future.