PRESERVE Project
PRESERVE is a €7.9M EU Horizon 2020 research consortium of 26 partners across 10 countries that developed bio-based food packaging technologies with improved recyclability, enzymatic delamination, and upcycling pathways, concluding operations in December 2024.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- Headquarters—
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What PRESERVE Project does
PRESERVE is a European Union Horizon 2020 research project (Grant Agreement No. 952983) that operated from January 2021 to December 2024 with €7,999,576.25 in EU funding. The consortium brings together 26 partners from 10 countries spanning the full packaging value chain: 7 technology institutes and academic institutions, 4 polymers and bio-based raw materials providers, 4 plastic/packaging converters, 3 end-user packers, 5 upcyclers and technology solution providers, and 2 innovation and dissemination specialists. The project is coordinated by IRIS Technology Group (Spain) with Kneia handling dissemination. Industrial validators include Danone, Ferrero, ISDIN, and SIBO G.
The project developed a portfolio of bio-based packaging technologies including whey protein-based barrier coatings as alternatives to EVOH, PHA coating formulations achieving water resistance comparable to commercial wax-based solutions (Cobb120 ~1 g/m²), enzymatic delamination methods for multilayer packaging separation, eBeam irradiation treatment, microfibrillar reinforcement of recycled polymer streams, and bio-based textile coatings to reduce microplastic release. Outputs include ten primary packaging demonstrators (beverage brick, molded fibre cup, to-go pocket tray, snack flowpack, dairy pouch, cosmetic jars, bottles, shopping bags, display boxes) with up to 85% bio-based content, plus a Decision Support System application, the Innovation Roadmap 2030, and open-access publications.
PRESERVE's revenue model is non-commercial: it is funded entirely through the Horizon 2020 grant and does not sell products or services. Outputs are distributed freely via Zenodo, the project website, peer-reviewed publications, and industry events. Technologies are intended for commercialization by consortium industry partners (SÜDPACK, SIBO G., Graphic Packaging, Bostik, Carbiolice, Planet Bioplastics). In January 2026, three PRESERVE innovations were officially recognized by the EU Innovation Radar with Key Innovator status awarded to multiple consortium partners. The project was part of the H2020 Bioplastics Cluster alongside UPLIFT and upPE-T, with combined €23.3M funding across 58 partners in 19 countries.
PRESERVE Project firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PRESERVE Project
- Legal name
- PRESERVE Project
- Website
- https://preserve-h2020.eu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- PRESERVE is a €7.9M EU Horizon 2020 research consortium of 26 partners across 10 countries that developed bio-based food packaging technologies with improved recyclability, enzymatic delamination, and upcycling pathways, concluding operations in December 2024.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PRESERVE Project industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Bio-based Packaging Research & Development
- NAICS
- Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing (326112)
- SIC
- Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851), Adhesives & Sealants (2891)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Compostable & Bio-Based Packaging (PLA/PHA, Starch Blends, Cellulose Films) (IMALAMAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Biodegradable Coatings & Barrier Layers (paper/packaging barriers) (IMAEAOAH), Mono-Material & Recyclability-Designed Packaging (Design-for-Recycling, Barrier Alternatives) (IMALAMAD), Recycled-Content Plastic Packaging (rPET, rHDPE, rPP) (IMALAMAC)
Keywords
PRESERVE Project business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- EU Horizon 2020 Research Grant: PRESERVE is a European research project funded under the EU Horizon 2020 programme (Grant Agreement No. 952983) with €7,999,576.25 in funding. The project does not generate commercial revenue but develops technologies for industry adoption to improve packaging circularity.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
PRESERVE Project product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PRESERVE is an EU Horizon 2020 research consortium developing bio-based food packaging solutions with improved recyclability and circular end-of-life options. The project develops protein-based and PHA barrier coatings, enzymatic delamination methods for multilayer packaging separation, eBeam treatment, microfibrillar reinforcement of recycled polymers, and bio-based textile coatings to reduce microplastics. Deliverables include ten food packaging demonstrators and upcycling demonstrators targeting cosmetics, textiles, and composite applications.
Product overview
PRESERVE is a European Horizon 2020 research project that developed a comprehensive suite of bio-based packaging solutions and technologies. The core offerings include protein-based and PHA barrier coatings for improved recyclability, enzymatic delamination methods for multilayer packaging separation, eBeam treatment technology, microfibrillar reinforced materials for upcycling, and functional textile coatings to reduce microplastics. The project produced 10 primary food packaging demonstrators (beverage brick, molded fibre cup, to-go pocket tray, snack flowpack, dairy pouch) and SRM upcycling demonstrators (cosmetic jars, bottles, shopping bags, display boxes). Supporting offerings include a Decision Support System (DSS) application, the PRESERVE Innovation Roadmap 2030, white papers, and comprehensive training materials on sustainable packaging technologies.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Bio-based Food Packaging Demonstrators Ten primary food packaging items developed to be 100% based on renewable resources with minimal environmental impact and improved recyclability: to-go pocket tray, snack flowpack, dairy pouch, beverage brick, and molded fibre cup. Designed for enterprise food and beverage brands seeking EU regulation-compliant, recyclable-by-design packaging.
- SRM Upcycling Demonstrators Secondary Raw Materials upcycling demonstrators targeting non-food applications: injected cosmetic jars, blow-molded cosmetic bottles, non-woven shopping bags, and carrier and display boxes. These demonstrators convert recovered food packaging materials into higher-value products for cosmetics, personal care, and textile applications.
- Decision Support System (DSS) Software application developed to help select materials and End of Life/secondary applications for bio-based packaging, supporting eco-design principles and circular economy decision-making for packaging designers and converters.
Quantifiable outcome
- Water resistance of PHA coatings achieved at ~1 g/m² (Cobb120), equal to commercial wax-based solutions
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use PRESERVE Project
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
PRESERVE Project technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
PRESERVE Project partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
34 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- BioSupPack ProjectminorCollaborating project that co-authored the white paper 'Upcycling Food and Drinks Packaging: How EU-funded research projects transform food and drink packaging to reduce waste' with PRESERVE, UPLIFT, upPE-T, and MoeBIOS.
- MoeBIOS ProjectminorCollaborating project that co-authored the white paper 'Upcycling Food and Drinks Packaging' with the H2020 Bioplastics Cluster projects.
- Glaukos ProjectminorGlaukos develops biobased textile fibres and textile coatings adapted to 21st century needs. PRESERVE and Glaukos collaborate to align EU projects with EU policies.
- DECOAT ProjectminorDECOAT enables circular use of textiles and plastic parts with triggerable smart polymer material systems that can be activated by heat, humidity, microwave or chemical triggers for delamination and recycling.
- MANDALA ProjectminorMANDALA develops new adhesives with dual functionality (easy to split and barrier properties) by incorporating thermoreversible covalent bonds and radiation absorbing nanoparticles for food and pharma multilayer packaging.
- European Bioeconomy Network (EUBioNet)minorPRESERVE became an official member of the European Bioeconomy Network (EUBioNet) in July 2021, joining a network of bioeconomy-related projects and organisations.
- MERLIN ProjectminorMERLIN (MultilayER packaging recycLINg) aims to increase quality and rate of multilayer packaging recycling by designing cradle-to-cradle solutions. Led by ITENE, Spain. Funded under H2020-EU.3.5.4.
- UPLIFT Project (EU Horizon 2020)coreUPLIFT is a sibling EU-funded project under the same topic CE-BIOTEC-09-2020, focused on biologically depolymerising plastic packaging waste and converting it into renewable and upcyclable polymers. Combined with PRESERVE and upPE-T, the three projects form the H2020 Bioplastics Cluster with 58 partners and €23.3M total budget.
- upPE-T Project (EU Horizon 2020)coreupPE-T is a sibling EU-funded project developing sustainable strategies for enzymatic degradation of PE and PET waste streams into biodegradable bioplastics for food and drink packaging. Combined with PRESERVE and UPLIFT, the three projects form the H2020 Bioplastics Cluster.
- IRIS Technology Group (Spain)coreIRIS Technology Group acts as Project Coordinator and leads WP1 on ethics requirements and WP9 on project management. IRIS is an advanced engineering group specialised in PAT-based real-time quality monitoring solutions for process industries and IoT systems for smart manufacturing. IRIS Technology Solutions was also awarded Key Innovator status by EU Innovation Radar.
- Albstadt-Sigmaringen University (ASU, Germany)coreASU acts as scientific and technical manager, providing expertise in development and characterisation of food and food packaging, surface modification of bio-based films, and incorporation of active packaging constituents. ASU contributes to WP2, WP3, WP4, WP5, WP6, and WP8.
- Centre Scientifique & Technique de l'Industrie Textile Belge (CTB/Centexbel, Belgium)coreCTB (Centexbel) is the Belgian scientific and technical centre for the textile and plastic industry. CTB leads WP4 on upcycling of core materials and blends, developing PHA coating formulations, and is a Key Innovator for EU Innovation Radar recognition.
- AIMPLAS - Technological Institute of Plastics (Spain)coreAIMPLAS leads WP3 on development of bio-based coatings and adhesives for tailoring packaging properties and End of Life. AIMPLAS developed water-based PHA coatings, protein coatings, and leads the Circular Plastics Helix community. AIMPLAS also awarded Key Innovator status by EU Innovation Radar.
- Fraunhofer IVV (Germany)coreFraunhofer is a leading organisation for applied research, undertaking contract research on behalf of industry. Fraunhofer IVV contributes expertise in bio-based packaging materials and multilayer films in WP3 and WP6.
- ITENE - Packaging, Transport and Logistics Research Centre (Spain)coreITENE is a non-profit research centre that generates scientific and technological knowledge in packaging. ITENE acts as task leader for microplastics release, circularity assessment, and food safety and regulations in WP3 and WP7.
- NTT - Next Technology Tecnotessile (Italy)coreNTT is a private non-profit research organisation involved in research and demonstration projects on textile processing, circular design, and bio-based materials. NTT leads WP7 on safety, environmental and economic sustainability assessments (LCA, LCC, Social LCA).
- Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna (UNIBO, Italy)coreUNIBO is one of the most important institutions of higher education across Europe. Using its biotechnology and polymer chemistry competences, UNIBO has a strong role in material recycling in WP5.
- Planet Bioplastics (PLANET, Italy)minorPlanet Bioplastics is an innovative start-up, spin-off of the University of Pisa. PLANET contributes to pilot and industrial production of compounds for injection moulding, cast extrusion and blow moulding extrusion, and optimises biobased polymer formulations in WP5.
- Bostik (France)minorBostik designs, produces and commercialises lamination adhesives, cold seal coatings, heat seal extrudable co-polyesters, lacquers and reclosing adhesive. Contributes to WP3 with development of laminating adhesives for packaging laminate prototypes.
- Carbiolice (France)minorCarbiolice is a start-up that has developed an enzymated masterbatch additive making bio-based plastics compostable even in domestic conditions. Introduces its enzymated masterbatches to PLA compound in WP4 for biodegradation under mild conditions.
- SÜDPACK Packaging Group (Germany)coreSÜDPACK is one of the leading manufacturers of co-extruded flexible and rigid films, high performance laminates and bags in Europe. SÜDPACK leads WP6 on upscaling and validation of upcycled packaging, textiles and composites. Awarded Key Innovator status for EU Innovation Radar.
- Graphic Packaging International (GPI, Belgium)minorGPI is a leading global provider of paper-based packaging solutions. GPI upscales production of fibres-based packaging with bio-based coatings, to be validated by Danone RD, in WP5.
- SIBO G. (Slovenia)minorSIBO G. is one of Europe's biggest manufacturer of plastic closures, caps and containers for pharmacy and medical devices. Tests and validates new products for cosmetics and personal care from upcycled bioplastics on injection moulding production in WP6.
- Normec OWS (Belgium)coreNormec OWS has extensive knowledge in anaerobic digestion and compostability testing and biodegradation testing in compost, soil, anaerobic, freshwater and marine conditions. Leads WP5 on biodegradation, compostability and materials recycling.
- ROMEI (Italy)minorROMEI has 40 years of experience in plastic recycling processes, collecting waste and transforming it into raw materials (flakes and granules). Provides insights into current end-of-life situation of plastic packaging in WP2 and contributes to WP4, WP5, WP6 and WP7.
- DenimX (Netherlands)coreDenimX creates products from recycled textiles, combining textile fibres with bio-based binders into reusable, recyclable composite materials. Strong role in creation and development of upcycling solutions in WP5. Awarded Key Innovator status for EU Innovation Radar.
- KNEIA (Spain)coreKNEIA is a Spanish SME providing assessment services on innovation management, dissemination and communication strategies, knowledge transfer, and implementation of scientific technological structures. Leads WP8 on value chain roadmap and innovation impacts, and acts as IPR & Exploitation manager.
- Crowdhelix Network (CHX, United Kingdom)coreCrowdhelix is a pan-European Open Innovation Network enabling RTOs and businesses to collaborate and innovate. Hosts the Circular Plastics Helix multi-stakeholder platform with 380+ users. Contributes to WP8 impact section by managing stakeholder engagement and clustering activities.
- European Bioplastics (EUBP, Germany)coreEuropean Bioplastics is the industry association representing the bioplastics industry across Europe. Leads WP2 on definition of specifications for upcycled bio-based packaging and provides policy insights and standardisation expertise.
- NENU2PHAR ProjectminorNENU2PHAR develops a sustainable and European value chain of PHA-based materials for high-volume consumer products, using microalgae and bacteria for raw material production.
- MIX-UP ProjectminorMIX-UP showcases novel approaches for plastic recycling and establishment of a circular (bio)-economy for plastics, using microbial communities for mixed plastics biodegradation and upcycling. Led by RWTH Aachen, Germany.
- SEALIVE ProjectminorSEALIVE reduces plastic waste on land and seas by boosting biomaterials and circular economy strategies. Develops solutions under recycling, biodegradability and composting norms. Funded under H2020-EU.3.2.5.3. and H2020-EU.3.2.
- BIOnTop ProjectminorBIOnTOP delivers recyclable-by-design packaging solutions with high bio-based content using PLA copolymers and compounds, with removable protein-based coatings and fatty acid grafting technology.
- DEEP PURPLE ProjectminorDEEP PURPLE recovers valuable resources from mixed urban waste streams using Purple Phototrophic Bacteria to extract high-added-value compounds including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA).
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
PRESERVE Project competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- BIOnTop Project: EU Horizon 2020 project delivering recyclable-by-design packaging with high bio-based content using PLA copolymers, removable protein-based coatings, and fatty acid grafting — overlapping directly with PRESERVE's protein/PHA coating work.
- MERLIN Project: EU H2020 project led by ITENE (a PRESERVE partner) targeting cradle-to-cradle solutions for multilayer packaging recycling. Directly comparable scope on multilayer recyclability and EU regulatory alignment.
- upPE-T Project: Sibling Horizon 2020 project (€7.8M) developing enzymatic degradation of PE and PET waste into biodegradable bioplastics for food and drink packaging. Co-clustered with PRESERVE in the H2020 Bioplastics Cluster with shared dissemination and policy activities.
- UPLIFT Project: Sibling EU Horizon 2020 project (€7.5M) under the same CE-BIOTEC-09-2020 topic, focused on biologically depolymerising plastic packaging waste into renewable and upcyclable polymers. Directly comparable consortium structure, funding scale, and bio-based upcycling mandate, making it PRESERVE's closest peer.
- SEALIVE Project: EU Horizon 2020 initiative developing biomaterial and circular-economy strategies to reduce plastic waste on land and sea, including biodegradation and recycling pathways. Same funding instrument and overlapping bioplastics mandate.
Broad incumbents
- TotalEnergies Corbion: Joint venture producing Luminy PLA bioplastics at industrial scale. Competes with NatureWorks in the same substrate market PRESERVE's PHA/protein coating system is designed to upgrade.
- NatureWorks: Global incumbent and the world's largest PLA bioplastic producer (Ingeo). Supplies the bio-based polymer substrate that PRESERVE's coatings and upcycling technologies are designed around, making it the dominant supply-chain reference point.
- Novamont: Italian integrated bioplastics company (Mater-Bi starch-based portfolio) and a benchmark for European bio-based, compostable packaging at commercial scale — relevant incumbent against which PRESERVE-derived technologies will compete for specification.
Emerging players
- Carbiolice: French start-up (PRESERVE consortium partner) commercialising an enzymated masterbatch additive that makes PLA home-compostable. Closest commercial counterpart to PRESERVE's enzymatic delamination/upcycling chemistry, but focused on biodegradation rather than recyclability.
- TIPA Fully Compostable Packaging: Specialist developer and producer of compostable multilayer flexible packaging, a commercial analogue to PRESERVE's compostable/bio-based multilayer demonstrators in food and consumer goods.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
PRESERVE Project social profiles
Digital presencePRESERVE Project financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PRESERVE Project leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
PRESERVE Project funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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PRESERVE Project M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PRESERVE Project
What does PRESERVE Project do?
PRESERVE is an EU Horizon 2020 research consortium developing bio-based food packaging solutions with improved recyclability and circular end-of-life options. The project develops protein-based and PHA barrier coatings, enzymatic delamination methods for multilayer packaging separation, eBeam treatment, microfibrillar reinforcement of recycled polymers, and bio-based textile coatings to reduce microplastics. Deliverables include ten food packaging demonstrators and upcycling demonstrators targeting cosmetics, textiles, and composite applications.
Is PRESERVE Project a public or private company?
PRESERVE Project is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was PRESERVE Project founded?
PRESERVE Project was founded in 2021. It employs 51 to 100 people.
How does PRESERVE Project make money?
One revenue line is on record: EU Horizon 2020 Research Grant.
Who are PRESERVE Project's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are BIOnTop Project, MERLIN Project, upPE-T Project, UPLIFT Project and SEALIVE Project. Broad incumbents are TotalEnergies Corbion, NatureWorks and Novamont. Emerging players are Carbiolice and TIPA Fully Compostable Packaging.
Does PRESERVE Project have an API?
No public API is recorded for PRESERVE Project.
What industry is PRESERVE Project in?
PRESERVE Project's product category is Bio-based Packaging Research & Development. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAMAB, Compostable & Bio-Based Packaging (PLA/PHA, Starch Blends, Cellulose Films), with a secondary code of IMAEAOAH, Biodegradable Coatings & Barrier Layers (paper/packaging barriers). Its NAICS code is 326112 and its SIC code is 2851.