About Novishpak
Innovative Packaging for Sustainable Food Preservation and Quality Assurance
The NOVISHPAK project is dedicated to creating innovative biodegradable and antimicrobial packaging films and edible coatings, using kelp seaweed polysaccharides to extend the shelf life of Mediterranean fish fillets. Enhanced with bioactive compounds and smart color-changing indicators, these materials monitor freshness and quality. Advanced technologies like cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) are employed to strengthen and improve the packaging. Field tests will ensure effectiveness in real-world chill chains, supporting food sustainability and waste reduction in line with PRIMA 2023 goals for the Mediterranean.
Project objectives
Creating biodegradable, antimicrobial, and smart packaging films with kelp seaweed polysaccharides to extend Mediterranean fish fillet shelf-life sustainably.
Biodegradable Film Development
Develop biodegradable films and edible coatings using seaweed polysaccharides to create eco-friendly solutions for food preservation.
Bioactive Compound Integration
Incorporate natural pre- and probiotics, antimicrobial agents, scavengers, and color indicators for enhanced food safety and quality monitoring.
Antimicrobial Packaging Solutions
Produce innovative packaging materials with antimicrobial properties to combat spoilage and ensure extended freshness of fish fillets.
Antimicrobial Packaging Solutions
Produce innovative packaging materials with antimicrobial properties to combat spoilage and ensure extended freshness of fish fillets.
Fish Waste Valorization
Utilise fish production side-streams to extract antimicrobial compounds, turning waste into valuable resources for packaging applications.
Shelf-Life Extension
Extend the shelf life of Mediterranean fish fillets by developing advanced packaging solutions for highly perishable food products.
Freshness Monitoring Tools
Create smart packaging technology with ammonia, pH, and oxygen sensors for real-time freshness tracking and chill chain evaluation.
Creating sustainable packaging to extend freshness, protect the planet, and shape a healthier tomorrow.
Work Packages
Explore the key work packages driving innovation in sustainable, smart, and antimicrobial food packaging solutions for Mediterranean fish preservation and waste reduction.
WP1
Feedstock and ingredients preparation
WP2
Packaging films and edible coatings production and characterisation
WP3
Smart packaging for sustainable fish preservation
WP4
Assessment of the developed packaging film and coatings on fish filets preservation
WP5
Socio-economic impacts of innovative techniques and Business models
WP6
Project management and dissemination
Our Team
This project unites leading organizations working collectively to develop innovative sustainable, smart, and antimicrobial packaging solutions aimed at extending shelf life, enhancing food safety, and reducing waste in the Mediterranean.
Hellenic Agricultural Organization – Dimitra
National Kapodistrian University of Athens
GRECA PESCA
École Supérieure des Sciences de l’Aliment des Industries Agroalimentaires
Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering & Bioeconomy
International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies – Montpellier
University of Malta
University of Mohammed Premier
University of Tunis El Manar
Latest news
Stay updated with the latest developments, achievements, and milestones from our project as we innovate sustainable, smart packaging solutions for Mediterranean fish preservation and waste reduction.
NOVISHPAK Inspires Young Minds Through Tiny Teen Science Café Outreach Activity
A hands-on science outreach activity titled “Tiny Teen Science Café” was held in March 2026 at San Lawrenz Primary School, engaging young students in interactive scientific exploration.[…]
NOVISHPAK Research Presented at IC-MAS 2025 in Verona
A researcher from the University of Malta participated in the International Conference on Materials Science, 2nd Edition (IC-MAS 2025), held in Verona between 3rd and 5th[…]
From Research to Impact: NOVISHPAK Partners Meet in Tunis
Partners of the NOVISHPAK project convened for a two-day meeting on 9th and 10th September at the Higher Institute of Applied Biological Sciences of Tunis[…]
NOVISHPAK Research Showcased at MC17 Conference in Edinburgh
A delegation from the University of Malta participated in the 17th International Conference on Materials Chemistry (MC17), held between 7th and 10th July 2025 in Edinburgh.[…]
NOVISHPAK Research Featured in the Times of Malta
Research being carried out at the University of Malta as part of the NOVISHPAK project was featured in the Times of Malta in August 2025, highlighting the[…]
University of Malta Research Featured in THINK Magazine
Work being carried out at the University of Malta within the NOVISHPAK project was featured in THINK Magazine in January 2025, bringing wider attention to the project’s[…]
Bringing Science to Life: NOVISHPAK Inspires Students at Primary Science Fair
On 16 May 2025, the University of Malta participated in the Primary Science Fair, concluding a week-long national initiative organised by the Primary Science Team[…]
NOVISHPAK presented to students at Sir M.A. Refalo Sixth Form, Gozo Malta
On 6th March 2025, the NOVISHPAK project was presented to students at Sir M.A. Refalo Sixth Form in Gozo during an outreach visit aimed at[…]
Kickoff Meeting Launches NOVISHPAK Project
On September 20th, 2024, the NOVISHPAK project officially commenced with its kickoff meeting. Participants from leading organizations gathered to discuss strategies and goals for developing[…]
Contact us
Novishpak
Lab of Food Biotechnology and Recycling of Agricultural By-Products
Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products (ITAP)
Hellenic Agricultural Organization – DemeterLeof. Sofokli Venizelou 1, Likovrisi 141 23, Greece
This project is part of the PRIMA Programme supported by the European Union
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