Is 2025 all about the opportunities?
Plus: latest news for F&B experts, packaging innovations that are reducing waste and helping customers protect the environment
In this latest Friday BioDigest, dive into the educational and financial opportunities available for biomaterial innovators.
Funding
CBE JU announces major funding opportunities
As part of the Annual Work Programme for 2025, CBE JU has allocated €165 million to help projects achieve competitive and sustainable growth, scale circular technologies, and increase resilience and resource efficiency.
The awards are divided into 13 topics covering bio-waste valorization, high-performing circular packaging, biorefineries, replacement of conventional chemicals, effective bio-based processes, biopolymers, macroalgae systems, and more.
Oatbox Introduces the Sprout of Audacity Grants
The brand has decided to celebrate its 10th anniversary on a note of collectivity as it sets aside $15,000 for initiatives focusing on environmental sustainability.
The grants are split into three categories that include:
- Students
- Professionals working on sustainability-focused projects in Quebec
- Plant-based innovations
The last category will be decided by public voting as part of Oatbox’s commitment to engaging the public and experts.
That's not all! Other opportunities to keep an eye on:
- Based on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals: WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award
- Early career-researchers: MDPI Sustainability Foundation's Emerging Sustainability Leader Awards
- Sustainable design: Holcim Foundation Awards 2025
- Canada: Agricultural Grant Programs
- Taiwan: Green Tech Accelerator set to empower Taiwanese business
Innovation
1.2 billion tonnes of food is wasted on farms annually across the globe - approximately 15.3% of all food produced.
Meanwhile, 73% of shoppers say they are willing to change consumption habits to reduce environmental impact (Nielsen).
How do we make things easier for people and nature?
South Korean researchers develop edible biofilm for extended fruit shelf life
A cohort of experts led by Professor Won Ho Park at Chungnam National University have turned to chitosan and garlic to make fruit packaging that reduces food waste and improves fruit freshness.
The packaging prevents water loss and gas exchange, a boon for extended shelf life and against post-harvest degradation. The study will soon be published in the journal Food Chemistry.
The films are strong, biodegradable and so safe they can be eaten.
More on packaging films?
News
Food Ingredient's on what's cooking for the Food and Beverage industry
The December digest covers the latest trends and impacts in F&B including deforestation-related action, the EU-Mercosur deal, fluctuations in food prices, business updates, upcoming reforms, and more.
Renewable packaging innovation accelerates amid growing planetary health concerns
Renewables take off this year with a wave of eco-conscious packaging.
At the frontline, these three brands are enrichening the growing options for nature-positive packaging with their unique innovations:
- BASF: Released new ecoflex F blend, a biodegradable biopolymer that replaces fossil materials with renewable feedstock from waste and residual biomass.
- Stora Enso: launched Discover Optima Recycled Fiber (RF), a paper bag alternative made from a blend of fresh and recycled fibers that is robust, tear-resilient, and prepared for direct contact with food.
- Borealis: In collaboration with DELTA FOODS SA and Kotronis Packaging, the sustainable polyolefin brand is commercializing an ISCC Plus-certified premium solution derived from waste and residues.
Education
Register for edie’s free online webinar on embedding ESG into business
With ESG easing its way into about every industry, strong ESG principles are more important than ever. These will guarantee transparency, stakeholder and consumer trust, and regulatory compliance across the value chain.
On the 23d of January, Edie will stream a free 45-minute masterclass covering all you need to know ESG-wise:
- The foundations of ESG
- Tools to measure and integrate ESG
- Reporting requirements and guidelines
Focused on building your network this year? Check out…
Stay tuned for weekly updates on opportunities and biotech innovations so we can collectively turn off the tap on polluting materials!
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