Two companies, in collaboration with research teams from the Technological Development Unit (UDT) and the University of Concepción (UdeC), have recently been awarded two projects in the Corfo Crea y Valida competition, both in the Collaborative Project category. These projects address key challenges in the agricultural and food sectors, developing innovative and sustainable solutions that promote circular economy and environmental protection.
1. Moving towards sustainable agriculture
The project ‘Moving towards sustainable agriculture: Development of a fibrous plant substrate and soil bioactivator with zero waste approach and valorisation of forest by-products’ has been awarded to the company GEN-CO Ltda.
This project aims to address two critical issues in modern agriculture: the dependence on imported agricultural substrates and the degradation of agricultural soils due to factors such as drought and the intensive use of chemical fertilisers. The proposal seeks to develop a fibrous plant substrate and a soil bioactivator from forest by-products, specifically eucalyptus bark, thus promoting a zero waste approach and waste valorisation.
The UDT research team is formed by Dr. Cecilia Fuentealba, Dr. Víctor Ferrer, Dr. Danilo Escobar and Eng. Tomás Oñate. From the Universidad de Concepción, Dr. Marco Sandoval, from the Department of Soils and Natural Resources, based at the Chillán campus, is participating.
2. Development of a compostable flexible packaging to extend the shelf life of fresh foods
The second project, ‘Compostable flexible packaging with antimicrobial properties through the use of proanthocyanidins to extend the shelf life of fresh chilled salmon for export’, has been awarded by the company Inversiones La Bolsa Ltda. This project focuses on the food and food packaging sector, and seeks to develop a compostable flexible packaging with active antimicrobial properties, using proanthocyanidins, natural compounds known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This will extend the shelf life of refrigerated fresh food, reducing the risk of proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms and reducing economic losses due to discarded products.
The UDT research team is composed of Dr. Cristian Miranda, Eng. Néstor Urra and Eng. Ramón Tobosque.
These projects reflect the commitment of the companies and the UDT-UdeC to applied research and technological innovation, aimed at solving current challenges in key productive sectors for the country. Through strategic collaborations, they seek to promote sustainable practices and contribute to economic and social development.