From 25 to 27 September, the University of Parma participates in Expo Osaka 2025 with the Pentrer project ("Public Engagement per la Transizione Ecologica dell'Emilia-Romagna"), bringing its cutting-edge research in sustainable packaging to the international stage.
Concrete Innovations for Food Packaging
The research team led by Antonella Cavazza (Professor of Analytical Chemistry) and Corrado Sciancalepore (Researcher in Materials Science and Technology) presents revolutionary solutions for the food industry:
- Edible films and sprays containing natural antioxidants to extend food shelf life
- Sustainable composite materials from renewable resources for 3D printing
- Bio-based alternatives to traditional petroleum-derived plastics
From Research to Practice
The exhibited examples include active packaging produced with Fused Granules Fabrication (FGF) 3D printing, using polymer matrix composites developed in the university's laboratories. The materials, based on biopolymers with natural fillers, represent concrete solutions for a circular economy approach in food packaging.
Engagement Through Technology
The initiative utilises advanced immersive tools - holographic projections, LED walls and interactive totems - to demonstrate how regional research addresses climate change mitigation and sustainable industrial development.
The Pentrer project involves all universities in Emilia-Romagna (Ferrara, Bologna, Parma, Modena and Reggio Emilia) and is funded by the Ministry of University and Research within the NRRP framework.
