E-OILÉ

Background and Objectives

E-OilÉ will address safe and sustainable biodegradable packaging solutions close to the market by a) demonstrating at TRL 7 biodegradable materials based on novel biopolyesters and polysaccharides, engineered to enhance barrier and mechanical performance for the packaging of highly demanding oily products. They will be aimed to be a cost-effectivem alternative to replace current monodose packaging made from non-biodegradable fossilbased (FB) materials (PE, PP and PET) in flexible and semi-rigid formats, following the SSbD framework8 ; b) implementing a circular business model for two types of bioplastics for packaging of food and cosmetic products, through 4 Uses Cases (UC): Olive oil- UC1; oily sauces- UC2; Body oil- UC3 and Oil serum- UC4; c) validating the packaging performance, safety, sustainability and acceptance along the whole supply chain (from material producers to consumers) ; d) demonstrating ≥ 90 % biodegradation in acceptable frame time, following reference standards and in environmentally relevant conditions and, therefore, multiple sustainable End-of-Life (EoL) pathways for the new packaging solutions that will be assisted by the creation of digital twin, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced modelling mechanisms for digitally assisted accurate prediction of degradation processes.

Expected Results

The E-OilÉ project will support EU strategies on industrial leadership, climate change mitigation, and the circular economy by developing advanced biodegradable materials for packaging. These solutions aim to replace non-biodegradable plastics like PP, PE, and PET, significantly reducing GHG emissions and microplastic pollution. E-OilÉ will create biodegradable polymers, validated for flexible and semi-rigid packaging in the food and cosmetics sectors. The project focuses on ensuring cost-competitiveness with fossil-based plastics while maintaining high functional performance, making it attractive for wide market adoption.

• Promote bio-based and biodegradable materials for mono-dose packaging in food and cosmetic sectors, increasing competitiveness and cost-effective production
• Create high-quality knowledge on biodegradable materials solutions for the packaging industry with enhanced functional properties following the SSbD framework.
• Boost the replacement of non-biodegradable SUP packaging with biodegradable materials, reducing the volume of landfill waste and the generation of microplastics in natural environment

Role of ILSI Europe

ILSI Europe will lead Work Package 6 on Social Impact Enhancement, Communication and Dissemination in the E-OilÉ project. It will be responsible for maximizing public awareness and preparing the market for the uptake of E-OilÉ's biodegradable packaging solutions.

ILSI Europe will develop and implement a comprehensive communication and dissemination plan, including stakeholder-specific messaging, project branding, a dedicated website, social media campaigns, press outreach, and multimedia content. It will also organize webinars, co-creation workshops, and a final dissemination event at its International Symposium on Food Packaging.

Through these actions, ILSI Europe will ensure that the project’s outcomes are widely communicated, socially impactful, and aligned with the needs of consumers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers.