Transforming an agri-food by-product into a tool for reducing food waste. This is the goal of Alkelux, an innovative startup founded in Sassari in 2024 that has developed a natural photoactive additive for food packaging applications.
The technology is based on a water-soluble nanopolymer obtained from licorice processing by-products. Composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, the material is free from allergenic metals and nano-sized titanium. Its distinctive feature is its photoactive behavior: exposure to natural or artificial light enhances its antimicrobial performance.
According to the company, the additive can be integrated into existing manufacturing processes without requiring modifications to production lines, transforming conventional packaging into active packaging capable of slowing the growth of bacteria and molds.
Initial applications focus on polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA). Tests conducted on strawberries and other perishable products reportedly demonstrated an extension of freshness of up to one week compared with conventional packaging solutions. Further trials are planned on cardboard-based packaging and table grapes.
From a sustainability perspective, the technology offers a dual benefit. On the one hand, it upcycles a by-product from the agri-food industry in line with circular economy principles; on the other, it aims to reduce food losses throughout the supply chain by extending product shelf life.
Founded by Matteo Poddighe, Davide Sanna, Emina Bilanovic and Carlo Usai, Alkelux has launched the European certification process for active food-contact packaging materials, with the goal of bringing its first commercial applications to market in 2026.
