Clean Label Active Packaging to Reduce Food Waste & Loss

The overall goal of this integrated research and extension proposal is to reduce food waste and loss by developing a new, scalable method to produce active packaging materials. Extension activities (mixed model extension programming and innovative behavioral tools) will dovetail with research activities throughout project execution to enhance impact and likelihood of food manufacturing technology translation. We propose a multidisciplinary approach encompassing expertise in stakeholder engagement, food science, active packaging, polymer chemistry, social science, toxicology, extension programming, and behavioral economics, with active engagement of stakeholders throughout the supply chain.INTEGRATED OBJECTIVESDevelop reactive extrusion methods to produce thermoplastic active packaging resins. Leverage external advisory group and behavioral economics of consumer acceptance.Demonstrate efficacy of the new active packaging materials in authentic food systems. Performance, safety, environmental impact, and pilot scalability will be foci.Design & offer mixed model programming to stakeholders throughout the packaging supply chain: regulatory agencies, packaging industries, food manufacturers, consumers