May 30 2023

From Waste to Resource: Experts Transform Tomato By-Products into Hydrophobic Resins for Food Containers

Recent advancements in biotechnologies have opened up exciting new possibilities for using these resources in food production processes to increase product value and reduce waste

Food waste and the production of food by-products are major concerns that have significant negative impacts on the environment, economy, and society. However, recent advancements in biotechnologies have opened up exciting new possibilities for using these resources in food production processes to increase product value and reduce waste. With this in mind, a team of international experts, led by researchers from the Institute of Subtropical and Mediterranean Horticulture 'La Mayora' (IHSM-CSIC-UMA) in Malaga and the Institute of Material Sciences of Seville (ICMS-CSIC-US) located in the Cartuja Science and Technology Park in Seville, has developed an innovative solution to address these issues.

The team has transformed tomato pomace, a by-product produced after processing tomatoes to make gazpacho, sauces or juices, which consists of seeds, skins and small remains of branches, into a new raw material to coat the inside of metal food containers, such as cans and beverage cans. This is a significant achievement, as tomato pomace is currently disposed of as solid waste, burned, or used for animal feed due to its low nutritional value. By turning waste into a sustainable and ecologically friendly resource with minimal environmental impact, the researchers are making a positive contribution to reducing waste and minimizing the extraction of fossil resources required for the manufacture of these same containers.

Steel and aluminum are currently the main materials used to manufacture metal cans and containers, but in contact with food, these materials can corrode and contaminate the preserved food. To prevent this, the inside of these containers is coated with a very thin layer that protects the metal from corrosion. However, the use of BPA, a common component of these coatings, is prohibited in Spain for the manufacture of food packaging due to its potential to disrupt the endocrine system and cause various health problems. In this regard, the tomato pomace resin developed by the team has a hydrophobic nature, meaning it repels water, and a high adhesion capacity to the metal of the can it coats, making it an excellent alternative to traditional coatings that contain harmful chemicals.

The innovative work of these experts demonstrates the vast potential of biotechnologies to address pressing environmental challenges and create sustainable solutions. By transforming food waste into valuable resources, they are contributing to a more circular and sustainable economy that benefits everyone.