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 contribution to sustainable food packaging research.

The article, titled “Green by Design: The Smart Science Behind Sustainable Food Packaging”, highlights NOVISHPAK’s innovative approach to developing biodegradable and intelligent packaging films made from seaweed extracts and fish production waste. These materials are being designed to offer a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging while supporting circular economy principles and reducing environmental impact .

The feature also draws attention to the project’s smart packaging concept, including colourimetric freshness indicators that can signal fish spoilage through visible colour changes. Such innovations have the potential to improve food safety, enhance consumer confidence, and help reduce unnecessary food waste .

At the University of Malta, the work is led by Prof. Ruben Gatt together with Prof. Pierre-Sandre Farrugia and Dr Roderick Abdilla, as part of a wider international consortium involving universities, research institutions, and industry partners from several countries .

The feature in THINK Magazine reflects the growing visibility of NOVISHPAK and highlights how research at the University of Malta is contributing to a broader international effort towards more sustainable and innovative food packaging solutions.