ArticleBanana Peels: A Genuine Waste or a Wonderful Opportunity?Banana is the second-highest fruit produced in the world and is a staple food for over 400 million people. Only 40% of the crop is utilised, leading to 114 million tonnes of banana waste annually. Banana peel constitutes about ~40% of the whole fruit, and it is considered a domestic and food industry waste. It…
ArticleAdvances in molecular genetics have increased knowledge of Tuber species’ life cycle and population genetic structure, indicating ways to improve yieldTruffles are possibly the only high-value cultivated organisms for which some aspects of the habit and life cycle have only recently been elucidated or remain unknown. Molecular techniques have helped explain the biological basis for some traditional empirical management techniques, such as inoculating soil with ascospores to improve yield, and have enhanced the detection of…
ProjectAdvancing diatom-based microalgae biorefineriesThis project focuses on the development of a microalgae biorefinery platform using diatoms as the primary feedstock. With their high biomass productivity, rich metabolite profiles, and resilience to environmental stress, diatoms are well-suited for biotechnological applications. The biorefinery approach enables the conversion of diatom biomass into functional foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and other commercial products, maximising resource efficiency and sustainability.
Media CoverageSustainable, Innovative Food Technologies (SIFT) Centre at Food Innovation Precinct of WA opening FridayBusiness owners are urged to enjoy a taste of the benefits of a new food and beverage manufacturing centre set to open in the Peel region this Friday. The Sustainable, Innovative Food Technologies (SIFT) Centre is opening in the Food Innovation Precinct of WA (FIPWA) at the Peel Business Park to give businesses without access…
ProjectTransforming capsicum and chilli waste into high-value health productsThis project explores value-adding opportunities by repurposing crop waste from capsicum and chilli production. Specifically, it investigates the extraction of capsaicinoids from low-grade fruit and plant waste. By harnessing these compounds, the project supports the development of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. In parallel, it aims to repurpose the leftover biomass post-extraction as a soil improver, contributing to circular practices in crop production.
ProjectEconomic modelling to guide optimal packaging solutionsThe objective of this project is to develop two economic discrete choice models to determine the economic viability of optimal packaging options and in so doing support researchers in core experiment activiites by providing guidance and direction.
ProjectDynamic life cycle sustainability assessment of thermoform packagingThis project seeks to develop a rigorous methodology for assessing and quantifying the life cycle environmental impacts of future thermoforming packaging technologies. The approach is designed to be comparative, allowing direct evaluation of new solutions against existing standards.
ProjectDeveloping transparent eco-friendly food packagingThis project seeks to develop a novel manufacturing process for transparent food packaging that replaces petrochemical inputs with sustainable alternatives derived from CO₂ containing waste streams. Specifically, CO₂ generated through the gasification of agri-food waste or waste plastics will be combined with water and sunlight to produce monomers, the foundational units of polymers. These sustainable monomers will then be used to formulate plastics suitable for thermoforming into transparent packaging materials. The process not only reduces reliance on fossil resources but also creates value from carbon emissions and waste.
ProjectSmart sensor labels for food traceability and waste reductionThis project aims to develop a novel sensor label that integrates both colorimetric sensing and QR code technology for enhanced food traceability. The QR code stores critical supply chain data, detailing the journey of the food item from origin to shelf. In parallel, the embedded colorimetric sensor reacts to contamination by changing colour, offering a visual cue of food safety. These dual-function labels are designed to be low-cost, easily integrated into packaging, and accessible across all stages of the food supply chain.
ProjectSmart packaging with colorimetric sensors for real-time food quality monitoringThis project focuses on developing low-cost, user-friendly calorimetric sensor indicators integrated into packaging materials. These sensors respond to gases released during food spoilage by changing colour, providing a clear and intuitive signal of produce freshness in real time. Unlike existing temperature-based indicators, this approach directly reflects the biochemical changes associated with spoilage, offering greater specificity and reliability. In addition to fresh produce, the platform will be extended to monitor beverages, where the sensors will interact with liquid samples rather than gases, broadening their applicability.
ProjectAdvancing PET recycling for sustainable packaging applicationsThis project offers a transformative approach to PET recycling using a novel proprietary technology developed at UNSW by Dr. Agarwal and Prof. Zetterlund. The method converts both waste and virgin PET into an aqueous dispersion of submicron-sized nanoparticles without subjecting the material to high temperatures or shear forces, which are common causes of degradation. These PET nanoparticle dispersions can be mixed easily and uniformly, enabling high-quality blends of recycled and virgin PET. The resulting material can be processed into pellets or other bulk forms suitable for packaging applications.
ProjectThermoforming innovations in food packagingA novel approach has been developed whereby polymer foam can be produced from various sustainable vinyl monomers sourced from plant-based biomass as opposed to the fossil-based monomer styrene which is used in Styrofoam production. By designing polymer structures from renewable monomers, the project introduces an alternative pathway for material synthesis that reduces reliance on petrochemical feedstocks.
ProjectNano sensor technologyThis project focuses on developing a nano sensor manufacturing technology that enables real-time monitoring of food and packaging quality. By directly depositing nano sensors onto polymeric packaging materials, the approach simplifies the production process while enhancing functionality. The data generated from this sensor platform will provide critical insights into food quality and safety, and will be used to inform a discrete choice econometric model to understand consumer preferences and support market adoption.
ProjectMethane reduction in ruminantsAgrisma is developing a proof-of-concept for a novel encapsulation technology for feed additives and its application in the reduction of methane production in ruminants. The project will look to create nanoparticles, investigate the stability, and efficiency of the encapsulation and monitor the properties of the long-term delivery system of our active ingredients in ruminants.
ProjectSustainable construction materials from agrifood wasteThe project aims to upcycle EcoMag's hydrated magnesium carbonate/magnesium (di)hydroxide (HMC/MDH) product, derived from a blend of agri-food wastes agrifood waste into low-carbon construction material.
