These vegetables are characterized by high nutritional value, they are a source of, among other things: B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin C, provitamin A, unsaturated fatty acids, including mainly oleic acid, which is important for the proper functioning of our body. They also contain minerals (phosphorus, calcium, copper, sodium, iron, potassium) and, importantly, bioactive compounds, including polyphenols. Thanks to its high antioxidant content, it has anti-inflammatory effects and lowers sugar levels. During the pressing of olives, some of the nutritional compounds, as well as bioactive compounds, stay in the pomace, making olive pomace a by-product of nutritional interest.
Valuable recycled packaging
The pomace derived from olive processing can be used for packaging. They need to be properly prepared and ground. We have proposed an innovative mix for the manufacture of packaging, which consists of up to 80% pomace, with the rest of the additives being natural, cereal products. We unify these raw materials to make them plastic, mold and bake them. Our packaging is created in several stages, but importantly the production process does not require the use of chemicals and generates a low carbon footprint. The resulting packages are edible, and many consumers also appreciate their nutritional value, but also their taste. In addition, the packaging is biodegradable.
The aesthetic aspect is worth noting. Depending on the maturity of the olives, we can get different shades. The green ones are of low maturity, while the black ones are of the highest maturity, and this makes it possible to produce naturally different colors of packaging, such as greenish, brown, dark purple, or even black.
Dissemination of the idea will be possible, after receiving a patent. We hope that our packaging will soon appear in every home.
The idea developed by a team composed of Joanna Grzelczyk, PhD, Ilona Galązka-Czarnecka, PhD, and Joanna Oracz, PhD, from the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences at TUL won second place in the Eureka Competition! DGP - We discover Polish inventions. The solution involved: "Mixtures for the manufacture of disposable biodegradable packaging and utensils, especially for the food industry, and the method of manufacturing packaging and utensils from this mixture".
Assistant professor at the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences.
Scientific interests and research topics pursued:
Ilona Gałązka-Czarnecka is scientifically passionate about the nutritional enhancement and biological activity of sprouts.
Has a degree in food technology from the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences of Lodz University of Technology.
