The INTACTBioPack consortium gathered for its first annual meeting on June 23–24, 2025, in Bari, Italy. Over two days, partners from across Europe met in person and remotely to share progress, discuss challenges, and plan the next steps in developing innovative microbiome-based, antimicrobial packaging solutions.
Day 1: Setting the Stage and Building Connections
The meeting opened with a warm welcome from Project Coordinator Valérie Guillard (University of Montpellier) and host Vittorio Capozzi (CNR-ISPA), setting a collaborative tone for the event.
The morning featured a Meet & Match session with other PRIMA-funded projects. Short presentations and a roundtable brought together insights from:
- QUIPACK – Sandra Schmöckel (University of Hohenheim)
- ABLOCK – Güslen Betül Aktas (Bilgi University, Istanbul)
- SEEDS – Giuseppe Salvio (Enco Engineering & Consulting)
- AGRIBIOPACK – Francesco Donsi (University of Salerno)
These exchanges reinforced connections and opened opportunities for future synergies.
After lunch, the consortium moved into the project’s core work:
WP1 kicked off with an overview by Sarah Lammi (UMMTO), followed by Marialucia Dechiara (CNR-ISPA), who presented food case studies and specifications, sparking an active discussion. Asmaa Aabushady (NU) then shared valuable feedback from the stakeholders’ survey, inviting further debate.
In the late afternoon, WP2 took the stage. Vittorio Capozzi and Marta Olivares gave an update on microbiome knowledge and characterization, while Nadia Ribeiro and Cristina Pereira (ITQB-NOVA) addressed plans for microorganism encapsulation.
The first day concluded with a social dinner, providing partners with the opportunity to network informally and foster team spirit.
Day 2: Diving Deeper into Technical Progress
Day two began with WP3, focusing on antimicrobial and microbiome-based packaging solutions. Cristina Pereira opened with a general overview before Mia Kurek (UNIZG-PBF) led an in-depth session on encapsulation, electrospinning, and the use of cutin oligomers. Preliminary results on film production were then presented by Gülden Göksen (TU) and Cristina Pereira, setting the stage for next steps.
Next, WP4 covered the latest on reusable, low-cost RFID sensors. Asmaa Aabushady, Moez Elsaadani (NU), and Brice Sorli (UM) shared updates on sensor specifications and first results.
WP5 followed, with Ines Esid (INAT) outlining upcoming technical, economic, and environmental tasks.
After lunch, the focus shifted to management and outreach. Mina Hariri (UM) presented an overview of project coordination, and Oumaima Younsi (Packtec) detailed the consortium’s dissemination efforts.
Finally, parallel work package sessions allowed groups to drill down into specifics, align goals, and tackle any open questions.
Moving Forward
This first annual meeting showcased the dedication and collaboration that define INTACTBioPack. With strong progress across all work packages and active links to other PRIMA initiatives, the project is on track to deliver innovative solutions for safer, sustainable packaging.
Stay tuned for more updates as the consortium moves ahead.
