Packaging is a constant companion in everyday life when shopping for and storing food. But what influence does it actually have on product quality? And how sustainable are the materials used? The project team addressed these questions in the “Project A/B” module of the ecotrophology degree program. The aim was to find out to what extent different types of food packaging influence the quality of food and how important sustainability aspects are and should be in the future when choosing packaging. To this end, the project team carried out practical experiments with different types of food packaging. The focus was particularly on sensory changes and the shelf life of the tested products. The packaging was deliberately selected taking into account sustainability criteria such as material type, recyclability, and resource conservation. In addition to conventional plastic packaging, packaging made from potato starch, grass fibers as well as unpackaged food was tested. The next steps, which I would like to look on are the use of reusable packaging material and the optimisation of the circular economy of these packages. I am interested in cooperation to develop the field of circular economy and reusable packaging material.

Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences is the largest university of applied sciences in Lower Saxony, offering more than 100 accredited Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes across different disciplines. It has a focus on agriculture and food. On our green campus in Haste, you will find a well-connected, dedicated community of researchers, lecturers, staff and students. With our wide range of degree programs, you can set the course for your own professional future.

What drives us? We want to actively shape the future by finding interdisciplinary solutions to current challenges. We strive to protect the climate and biodiversity, ensure healthy nutrition and create a strong, sustainable agriculture and resilient landscapes and buildings.

How do we pursue these goals? We offer exciting, practical courses and seminars, as well as a wide range of excursions and projects, that benefit from our strong ties connecting scholarship and professional practice.