CFIN awards $2.5M to reduce plastics in the food sector

The Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has recently announced the distribution of $2.5 million in funding to researchers all over Canada to work on reducing the use of plastics in the food industry. The funding is intended to support the creation of new, sustainable packaging solutions that will help alleviate the environmental impact of plastic packaging.  

Overview

The food industry has become one of the largest contributors to the global plastic waste crisis due to the extensive use of plastic packaging. The waste created from plastic packaging pollutes our oceans and harms wildlife. Moreover, plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose. The CFI's funding initiative seeks to solve this issue by financing research into new materials and technologies that can replace conventional plastic packaging with more eco-friendly alternatives. The funding will be awarded to 19 research projects across Canada, focusing on various aspects of reducing plastic usage in the food industry. Some of the projects will concentrate on developing new biodegradable materials to be used for food packaging. Others will be exploring alternative packaging solutions such as reusable containers or edible coatings.  

Research projects review

One of the research projects that will be receiving funding is being led by Dr. Lisa Duizer, a food scientist from the University of Guelph. Her team will be working on developing new edible packaging made from plant-based materials to be used for fresh produce. This innovative packaging solution will not only reduce plastic waste but also extend the shelf life of produce and help in minimizing food waste. Another research project that will be receiving funding is being led by Dr. Gary Chinga Carrasco at Dalhousie University, which focuses on developing new biodegradable packaging materials using agricultural waste. The team will be using agricultural byproducts such as rice husks and wheat straws to create new packaging materials that are both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Other projects that will be receiving funding include research on new materials for coffee pods, biodegradable packaging for frozen foods, and reusable packaging solutions for the restaurant industry.  

Project goals

The CFI's funding initiative is an important step towards reducing plastic use in the food sector and addressing the environmental challenges associated with plastic waste. The funding supports innovative research projects, driving the development of new sustainable packaging solutions that benefit both the food industry and the environment. The development of new packaging solutions has the potential to reduce food waste and improve food safety. For instance, the development of materials that can extend the shelf life of fresh produce will help reduce food waste, while the use of reusable containers in the restaurant industry can prevent cross-contamination and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.  

Conclusion

Overall, the CFI's funding initiative is a significant step forward in the effort to reduce plastic waste in the food industry. The support of innovative research projects leads to the development of new sustainable packaging solutions that can benefit both the food industry and the environment.

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