ICHTHYS (OptImization of novel value CHains for fish and seafood by developing an integraTed sustainable approacH for improved qualitY, safety and waSte reduction) will optimize novel value-chains for fish and seafood products for the EU and international markets. It will develop an integrated sustainable approach to improve quality and safety, while reducing product loss in the whole supply chain. ICHTHYS is intersectorial and focuses on two essential parts of the value chain, postharvest processing and packaging, integrating novel modern techniques and molecular biology tools in the evaluation of the quality and safety of fish and shellfish, including their allergenic capacity. The proposal has 13 consortium members from 6 countries that have complementary expertise in food, aquaculture and postharvest processing. New nonthermal processing methods such as high pressure, pulsed electric fields and high-intensity pulsed light will be studied together with active and intelligent packaging and smart labels (Time Temperature Integrators) and biosensors for monitoring safety and shelf life enriched with novel data from "omics" analysis. The implementation of ICHTHYS will offer the industrial partners the opportunity to translate scientific research into well-defined knowledge-based end products and analytical tools. In addition, to the scientific objectives ICHTHYS will provide a platform for efficient dissemination and transfer of knowledge and technology through training and research with complementary measures to engage other stakeholders including citizens. Overall, ICHTHYS aspires to provide cross-cutting intersectorial and interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and training for academics and commercial partners to improve their employability and career prospects. The project will contribute to the knowledge-based economy and society and boost regional and European competitiveness and growth, food exports and job creation.

The overall objective of the AQUAPACK project is the development and evaluation of the effect of novel biodegradable packaging systems on the quality and safety of perishable food and cosmetics in the supply chain of the EU region and worldwide, through the introduction of economically and environmentally sustainable packaging materials based on marine biomass (micro and macro-algae, fish processing side streams and by-catch). AQUAPACK faces the challenge of reducing plastic pollution through transnationally designed innovations for development of novel biodegradable packaging systems. Well-designed secondments between academic and industrial partners with complimentary capacities, will deliver the project objectives: (i) to introduce economically and environmentally sustainable, low carbon packaging materials based on aquatic biomass and side-streams, that can appropriately preserve the quality and safety of food and cosmetics products, from production all the way to consumption. (ii) design and test at least 2 biodegradable packaging materials appropriate for fish fillets and cosmetics, by developing: (i) biodegradable, active films appropriate for food and cosmetics by utilizing aquatic biomass, (ii) biodegradable films appropriate for secondary packaging of cosmetics. (b) An innovative direct freshness monitoring system (biosensor) applicable across the supply chain of perishable products. (iii) to improve the sustainability of the food and cosmetics sectors by preserving their quality, extending their shelf life and thus reducing waste. (iv) reduce waste of packaging materials by applying non-plastic, biodegradable packaging solutions for food and cosmeceutical products. (v) assess the sustainability and safety of the new packaging solutions in comparison to commonly used packaging for food and cosmetics. (vi) to provide cross-cutting interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, technology transfer and training to improve employability and career prospects.