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PackMOs

A BRIEF EXPLANATION

PackMOs develops packaging that extends the shelf life of fresh foods—without the use of additional chemicals. Beneficial microorganisms, embedded in bio-based hydrogels, inhibit harmful bacteria right where spoilage begins. The result: less food waste and greater safety.
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"PackMOs" creates innovative, bioactive packaging solutions by skillfully embedding beneficial microorganisms in hydrogel coatings and pads to extend food shelf life, reduce waste, and improve product safety. Image credit: PackMOs Consortium
Image credit: S. Liu et al., TU Dresden

Why Do We Need PackMOs?

Fresh foods such as meat or cut fruits and vegetables spoil very quickly. This leads to high food waste and complicates e-commerce and cross-regional distribution. At the same time, consumers want products without chemical preservatives, and regulatory requirements for sustainable packaging are increasing. PackMOs addresses exactly this need: extending shelf life, reducing waste, and improving safety—without the use of additional chemicals.

How is the project progressing?

  •  Selecting Microorganisms—Identifying Beneficial Microorganisms That Specifically Inhibit Harmful Germs 

  • Developing hydrogels — bio-based hydrogels made from natural polymers as a protective environment for microorganisms
  • Digital Optimization — Digital Methods Support the Targeted Selection of Microorganisms and Material Formulations
  • Integrate into packaging —as a coating on packaging films or as a bioactive pad in existing packaging
  • Ensuring stability and industrial suitability — reliable systems that integrate easily into existing production processes

What's new about it?

A new development is the targeted use of living microorganisms as a functional packaging component. Unlike current solutions, PackMOs largely does not require chemical preservatives, uses bio-based materials, and acts precisely where spoilage begins.

The project promises greater food safety, fewer product recalls, and less waste—with direct benefits for consumers, retailers, and the foodservice industry. For the German food and packaging industries, this opens up new markets—particularly for fresh-cut products and meat—and strengthens their competitive position on the global stage.

Who is participating?

Coordination · Hydrogels

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP

Project coordination, development of bioactive hydrogels containing living microorganisms, and digital support for material development 

Packaging Films

Polytrade, LLC

Integration of bioactive hydrogels into packaging films, assessment of industrial feasibility, and contribution of packaging and market expertise

Inserts & Hygiene Mats

W. Dimer, LLC

Integration of bioactive hydrogels into inserts and hygiene mats for fresh-keeping packaging and contribution of packaging and application expertise
Associate Partner · Real-World Test

FRIKONI Food GmbH & Co. KG

Testing the developed packaging solutions on fresh-cut products under real-world conditions and evaluating the extension of shelf life