The EU faces challenges to manage packaging and packaging waste to ensure the transition to a circular economy. MAGNO analysed available circular packaging models revealing unique benefits and challenges. 

• MAGNO Food Packaging Key Business Models for a Better Future

The European Union faces an enormous challenge with plastic waste. The EU seeks improving packaging effectiveness and sustainability, particularly in reducing plastic packaging pollution, which has become a top tier environmental concern. Addressing this issue is crucial not only for maintaining ecological balance but also for meeting consumer expectations and regulatory requirements focused on environmental sustainability. The planet cannot wait.

On MAGNO we advocate for AI and NLP (Natural Language Processing) to support research in packaging sector. MAGNO has adopted a strategy that utilises advanced computational technologies, essential for collecting and analysing large amounts of data. This information then feeds into a Digital Twin, which basically is a digital replica of a real-world system that allows to simulate and optimise real-world functions. The project dedicates a big number of resources on developing and using up-to-date Machine Learning algorithms, more specifically NLP  algorithms, to gain knowledge from an automatic web search, which will then be supplied to the Digital Twin.

These NLP algorithms include the development of a RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation). RAG is a Generative AI tool that helps AI systems give accurate answers to specific questions by using relevant information from external data sources. Essentially, when the RAG needs to respond to a question, it first uses embeddings – mathematical representations of the words – to quickly locate the most useful information from a large database to provide an answer. Then, it combines this information with its own knowledge, using LLMs (Large Language Models), which are powerful tools capable of generating text that mimics how humans speak, and combining all of this, it builds an answer to the provided query.

By adopting MAGNO’s NLP techniques, end-users can boost accuracy in packaging design and waste reduction, leading to significant cost savings and improved productivity.

• MAGNO on AI and NLP as drivers for a more sustainable food packaging value chain

The linear economy is an economic model based on "extract, produce, discard". It encourages large-scale production and rampant consumption. This approach not only promotes irresponsible product disposal; it also creates a scenario where both consumers and businesses fail to take responsibility. This exacerbates the resulting environmental and economic impacts. Without adopting sustainable practices after product use, the problem becomes even more critical. As raw material prices rise and new environmental guidelines and laws are implemented, the transition from the linear economy to the circular economy becomes urgently necessary.

The circular economy provides an alternative by aiming to reduce waste and maximise resource reuse. It promotes cycles of renewal in various ways. This model involves processes like maintenance, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling. There are two main cycles: the technical cycle returns non-biodegradable products or components to the system. The biological cycle allows biodegradable materials to return to nature. By integrating these processes, the circular economy helps regenerate natural resources and create a more sustainable system.

To transition from a linear economy to a circular one, it is essential to restructure the value chain. This includes creating products, systems, and business models that promote reuse and recycling while minimising waste. This requires alignment with environmental policies and encourages investment in innovative solutions. The change should be gradual and collaborative, ensuring that the market responds dynamically, balancing sustainability and economic growth. In this context, the MAGNO aims to develop a series of circular solutions. The circular approach aims to reduce the impacts associated with rampant plastic production and consumption. Thus, it seeks to develop alternative routes for implementation. It will also contribute to an ecosystem that promotes reuse and recycling to reduce plastic waste.

• MAGNO circular approach for the food packaging value chain

Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles smaller than 5mm, pose significant risks to both environment and human health, affecting the immune system and potentially increasing susceptibility to diseases. Their ability to carry toxic chemicals raises concerns about carcinogenic risks and cellular damage through inhalation and ingestion. Further Microplastics disrupt ecosystems by accumulating in marine and terrestrial
environments, altering food chains and reducing biodiversity. They harm marine life through ingestion, causing physical damage and toxic chemical exposure and even mortality in species ranging from plankton to large mammals. Additionally, microplastics degrade soil quality and contaminate water sources, affecting plant growth and freshwater habitats worsening the condition of habitats. The economic impact of microplastics is also profound. Municipalities face rising waste management costs as they struggle to clean up contaminated environments. Microplastics increase waste management costs as municipalities spend more on cleanup efforts. They also cause economic losses in fisheries and tourism, harming local livelihoods. Furthermore, public health expenses escalate as pollution-related diseases become more prevalent, increasing the burden on healthcare systems, while the degradation of natural landscapes affects recreational activities and cultural practices.

• MAGNO on plastics and microplastics pollution