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 in Tunis. The meeting brought together representatives from all participating institutions to review progress and strengthen collaboration across the project’s six core work packages.

Throughout the sessions, each partner presented updates on their respective research activities. Key discussions focused on the extraction and optimisation of natural polymers such as gelatin and sodium alginate, which form the basis of the project’s biodegradable packaging materials. Progress was also shared on the development of innovative film prototypes designed to enhance food preservation and sustainability.

In parallel, partners presented findings from socio-economic studies examining seller and consumer perceptions of plastic packaging, providing valuable insights into market acceptance of alternative materials. Significant advances were also reported in the development of smart sensors capable of detecting pH changes and ammonia, critical indicators of food spoilage. Additionally, research efforts on the selection of suitable bacterial strains for the extraction of postbiotics were discussed, highlighting their potential role in improving food safety.

The meeting provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, alignment of objectives, and planning of future activities within the NOVISHPAK project.