Tomato residue: the key to safer and more sustainable metal food packaging?

Tomatoes by Tony CC BY ND 2 0
Sustainability

Spanish researchers from two universities have developed a solution to protect metal packaging by using tomato pomace lacquers to coat their inner surfaces.

The Instituto de Hortofruiticultura in Malaga and the Instituto de Ciencia de los Materiales in Seville, Spain have created a biologically and environmentally friendly resin that repels water and has anti-corrosive properties.

The lacquer is derived from the by-products of tomato processing and adheres firmly to coated metal surfaces.

The aim of the research is to provide a safer alternative to Bisphenol A (BPA) coatings, which are used to protect food from corroded metals but can be harmful to human health. Spain banned the use of BPA in food packaging last year. The tomato pomace resin produces less carbon dioxide during its manufacture than BPA resin, and further evaluations will assess its environmental impact.

Tomatoes by Tony CC BY ND 2 0
Tomatoes by Tony (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Researchers are now planning to test the effectiveness of the lacquer on cans and packaging containing real food, and evaluate its industrial application.

This research was originally published by ScienceDirect: Bio-based lacquers from industrially processed tomato pomace for sustainable metal food packaging

Latest Packaging News

Plastic Free July: Reducing waste through smarter packaging choices
Sustainability

Plastic Free July: Reducing waste through smarter packaging choices

Plastic Free July encourages a global pause on unnecessary single‑use plastics. It’s a time for all...
Beverage and liquid food industry gears up for drinktec 2025
Events

Beverage and liquid food industry gears up for drinktec 2025

Preparations for drinktec 2025 are entering their final and most intensive phase. With strong...
Key updates announced for UK's pEPR scheme
Business

Key updates announced for UK's pEPR scheme

PackUK has published several key documents to support the delivery of the UK’s Extended Producer...
Amcor and Cofigeo partner to create multi-compartment tray designed for convenience and sustainability
Supplier News

Amcor and Cofigeo partner to create multi-compartment tray designed for convenience and sustainability

Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced it...
Absolut trials 'industry-first' paper cap and bottle combo
Sustainability

Absolut trials 'industry-first' paper cap and bottle combo

Absolut has taken another step in its sustainable packaging journey by trialling an industry-first...