Redefining
Packaging
Naturally

In Bio4Pak Project - Biodegradable Bio-based Bioactive Packaging Technology for Supporting Food Safety - we’re transforming food packaging through nature-inspired biotechnology, creating bio-based, biodegradable and bioactive materials that fully replace fossil-carbon plastics — while maintaining safety and performance.

Bio4Pak is funded under the Horizon Europe – EIC Pathfinder Challenges programme (Grant Agreement No 101223372).

Project’s aim

Through interdisciplinary research and innovative design, Bio4Pak aims to create nature-inspired food packaging that not only minimizes environmental impact but also opens up new possibilities for sustainable food production.

The project develops bio-based and biodegradable materials that maintain the functional advantages of conventional plastics while ensuring full environmental safety and compostability. By combining expertise in microbiology, biotechnology, chemistry, and materials science, Bio4Pak seeks to redefine how we protect and preserve food in a sustainable way.

Bio4Pak pioneers phage-based antimicrobial coatings using the innovative PhagTec delivery system.

These smart, nature inspired coatings are designed to release bacteriophages in response to pathogen-associated signals and—pending further development and validation—could provide a safe, environmentally friendly approach to controlling foodborne bacteria. The project integrates advanced bioprocessing, polymer engineering, and biotechnology to create functional, compostable packaging solutions designed to enhance food safety and reduce waste.

Idea

Why it
matters

Conventional plastics and bacterial contamination in the food chain remain global challenges. Bio4Pak addresses both by developing biodegradable, smart packaging that protects food, reduces reliance on fossil-carbon plastics, and lowers waste.

By ensuring both functionality and sustainability, Bio4Pak contributes to a cleaner environment, safer food systems, and a circular European bioeconomy.

The project’s open, collaborative approach — including short scientific missions, expert advisory input, and partnerships with other EU-funded initiatives — ensures its innovations reach far beyond food packaging, into agriculture, environmental applications, and healthcare.

Areas of Expertise

Biological Sciences: Microbiology

Harnessing bacteriophages and microbial ecology to create natural, targeted antimicrobial solutions for food protection.

Polymer Engineer: Food Packaging

Developing bio-based polymers that combine strength, flexibility, and biodegradability for next-generation packaging.

Industrial Biotechnology: Food safety

Applying biotechnological innovation to improve food quality, safety, and shelf life while reducing contamination risks.

Chemical Sciences: Phage delivery systems

Designing responsive systems for pathogen-triggered antimicrobial activity.

Consortium partners

BIO4PAK Network Platform

The Bio4Pak Network Platform connects researchers, innovators, and industry partners working on sustainable biotechnologies and packaging solutions. 
Join our network to share knowledge, build collaborations, and contribute to a greener future in food production, agriculture, and environmental protection. 
Join the Bio4Pak Network – where nature inspires innovation.

Pathfinder portfolio

Bio4Pak has been selected as one of six projects funded under the Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder Challenges programme, forming a dedicated Challenge portfolio. The portfolio projects actively collaborate, exchange knowledge and remain flexible and responsive to emerging developments within the portfolio as well as in the wider global scientific and industrial community, jointly pursuing shared objectives and opening new pathways for breakthrough and radical innovation.

Here are the other selected projects:

TitleAcronym
BiObased theRmal-resistaNt food packagingBORN
Upcycling PHAs to innovative materials for fully sustainable food packagingSATISPHACTION
Emerging eco-active materials by sustainable tools from natural renewable residuesECOSYSTEM
Development of Bio-based and biodegradable polyethylene and polyesters for food packaging and agricultural applicationsBio2PEs
Cellulose-based mulch films with nature-inspired water-management structures for agricultural applicationsCELLAGRI