An Italian start-up from Sardinia is redefining the concept of sustainable packaging. Founded in 2024, Alkelux has developed a simple yet innovative solution: transforming liquorice processing waste into a natural antimicrobial bioadditive for use in food packaging materials.
The result is an active, functional packaging capable of extending the shelf life of fresh produce, such as strawberries and blueberries, without the need for artificial preservatives or synthetic chemicals.
The additive developed by Alkelux is natural, metal-free, water-soluble, and fully compatible with existing industrial production lines. It can be incorporated into plastic films or compostable materials, providing antimicrobial protection that slows bacterial growth and helps preserve the contents.
Initial tests have shown promising results: the shelf life of fruit packed with this solution has been extended by at least one week compared to conventional packaging. This translates into concrete benefits along the entire supply chain, from producers to retailers, and contributes to significant reductions in food waste.
Alkelux’s approach fits perfectly within the principles of the circular economy, by valorising natural by-products, reducing environmental impact, and offering smart, responsible solutions for the food packaging sector.
The project has already attracted interest from fruit and vegetable producers and industrial partners seeking eco-friendly, high-performance alternatives to extend product freshness without relying on invasive treatments.
With this innovation, Alkelux positions itself as a concrete example of how bioeconomy can drive the future of sustainable packaging, combining food safety, technical performance, and environmental responsibility.
