HERPAK

The EU’s upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to reduce packaging waste and promote recyclable and reusable materials. This transition has major implications for food and packaging industries, requiring new approaches in packaging design, logistics, and business models.

While reusable plastic packaging is already in use for catering and take-away meals—where food contact time is short—expanding its application to food with longer shelf life presents new challenges. Microbial contamination, chemical safety (e.g., detergent residues and odor transfer), and physical integrity (e.g., scratch resistance) must be carefully assessed. The HERPAK project will address these issues over two years, developing science-based recommendations for safe and effective reuse.

HERPAK is co-funded by VLAIO (COOCK project), leading partner: Pack4Food, in cooperation with University Ghent (nutriFOODchem  and FMFP) and Flanders’ FOOD. 

HERPAK is structured into three key research areas:

• Microbial Safety: Assessing risks of biofilm and mold formation on reusable packaging and optimizing industrial washing processes. The project will also validate ATP testing as a reliable cleanliness verification method, evaluating potential interferences from detergent residues and food types.
• Chemical Safety: Investigating contamination risks related to residual cleaning agents, consumer misuse, and odor transfer in plastic packaging, which could impact food safety and quality.
• Physical Integrity: Studying the scratch resistance of packaging materials and its role in microbial growth, ensuring packaging durability without compromising safety.

At the end of the project, a best practice guide will be published, covering:

• Recommended packaging materials for safe reuse
• Validated industrial washing protocols for optimal cleanliness
• Optimized detergent use and verified test methods for food-safe cleaning

What’s in it for participating companies?

By joining the HERPAK advisory board, companies will:

• Gain early access to cutting-edge research results and best practices on reusable food packaging.
• Ensuring the research aligns with real-world industry needs.
• Be among the first to implement validated washing and testing protocols, giving them a competitive edge.
• Improve their regulatory preparedness for upcoming EU packaging legislation.
• Expand their network by collaborating with experts, researchers, and key industry players. There will be several network opportunities during the project between project partners and members of the Advisory board, including a final closing event open to the public.

HERPAK is actively seeking industry partners, including food producers, packaging manufacturers, detergent and disinfectant suppliers, product designers, and industrial washing system providers. Advisory board members will receive early access to research findings and help shape the project to address real-world challenges, such as selecting relevant case studies and packaging materials.

Interested in contributing? Get in touch to be part of this innovation in sustainable food packaging!

📩 Contact: Hedwige.Verherbrugghen@pack4food.be or info@pack4food.be