7.6 Million Euros Secured Greco Project Poised to Revolutionize Food Packaging

Backed by a €7.6 million grant (¥61.8 million) from the Horizon Europe program, the Greco initiative is poised to transform the food packaging landscape with cutting-edge bioplastics and sustainability-driven innovation. Slated to officially launch on June 16–17 in Valencia, the project brings together a powerhouse consortium of 22 partners, including TotalEnergies Corbion, Coexpan, Aimplas, and European Bioplastics.

Greco’s mission is clear: to develop next-generation PLA-based packaging that is high-performance, recyclable, and biodegradable. The initiative aims to replace conventional plastics in everything from flexible berry pouches to rigid cheese containers, all while meeting EU regulatory requirements and extending shelf life by preserving aroma and moisture.

Spearheading the innovation, TotalEnergies Corbion is enhancing PLA copolymers to improve recyclability and functionality. Its Thailand facility, with an annual output of 75,000 tons, is a hub for both large-scale production and cutting-edge depolymerization techniques for chemical recycling. Meanwhile, Aimplas is leveraging reactive extrusion and mechanochemistry to engineer customizable additives and sustainable formulations.

Greco also emphasizes end-of-life solutions. It will explore both mechanical and chemical recycling, as well as test biodegradability in marine, soil, and compost environments. Certifications from TÜV Austria and DIN Certco will validate environmental performance and guide new industry standards.

Beyond labs and factories, Greco actively integrates consumer feedback to align innovation with practical use. As European Bioplastics’ Hasso von Pogrell puts it, “This project proves collaboration can drive Europe’s bioeconomy forward.” Greco’s comprehensive strategy may just set the new gold standard for sustainable packaging in Europe and beyond.