Advances in BiOrangePack: Extending Citrus Shelf Life Through Circular Economy Innovation

Rot caused by fungi remains the leading cause of losses after citrus harvest and is among the biggest barriers to exporting fruit to distant markets. Yet, hopeful progress is on the horizon as a European collaboration led by the Technological Plastics Institute (Aimplas) advances the development of a bioactive coating. This coating could extend the shelf life of oranges by 40 to 50 days and lemons by 60 to 70 days. While the team recognizes that competitors may also benefit from the compound, manufacturers are eagerly watching the potential advantages unfold.

The BiOrangePack project, funded by the European Union, brings together five major Citrus-producing nations in the Mediterranean: Spain, Italy, Turkey, Algeria and Tunisia, with France serving as a key importer. The consortium features fourteen partners, including the University of Catania, the Interuniversity Consortium for the Development of Large In-Phase Systems, the Sicilian Center for Nuclear Physics and the Structure of Matter, the University of Tunisia El Manar, the University of Valencia, the University of Ankara, Decco Italy, AGDIA, EMEA, OP Cosentino, the Center Techniques des Agrumes, the Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, and Aimplas itself. (Cited from project materials.)

The project’s central aim is to create a new coating derived from residues of citrus pulp generated during orange processing. This coating targets postharvest fungal rot and aims to cut losses by up to 30%, while prolonging the life of oranges and lemons and repurposing citrus pulp from juice and essence production through non-toxic, ecological treatments. Aimplas principal investigator Irene Ríos notes that the effort also seeks to reduce industrial waste from fruit processing by up to 80% through better cradle-to-cradle utilization of by-products. (Statement from project leadership.)

BiOrangePack also focuses on boosting efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness across the organic citrus processing chain by addressing weak points. Ríos explains that the initiative envisions a 20% gain in transport efficiency through smart technology, with the broader aim of helping Europe grow its organic citrus market—from the current 15% to 25%. (Project outlook and goals.)

Postharvest rot prevention traditionally relies on synthetic fungicides. However, these chemicals are losing effectiveness against resistant strains and are increasingly restricted in organic production systems. Public and European phytosanitary and food-safety regulations are tightening around pesticide residues in foods. In this context, the Aimplas researchers are turning to a bioactive coating crafted from citrus pulp, highlighting a circular economy example. Active ingredients with antifungal capacity are extracted from citrus peel and pulp residues to develop a low-permeability polymer film coated with biocidal agents, and a cellulose- and mycelium-based system that can release natural antimicrobial substances to combat rot in citrus packaging. (Regulatory and environmental context.)

The environmental impact of BiOrangePack is measured by the reuse of the main by-product of the citrus juice and essence industry: citrus pulp. In the Mediterranean region, annual citrus pulp production is estimated at about 0.9 million tons, underscoring a substantial opportunity for waste valorization. (Industry statistics.)

It should be noted that Aimplas aims to help firms embed circular economy principles into their business models, turning regulatory shifts in the plastics sector into opportunities for efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and stronger economic returns. The institute pursues research across recycling, biodegradable materials, biomass use, and CO2 utilization, continually pursuing solutions that address current environmental challenges. (Aimplas strategic focus.)

From a grower’s perspective, José Vicente Andreu, president of Asaja Alicante, observes that current fruit preservation methods rely on cold treatment, which has limitations in efficacy and shelf life. He notes that synthetic waxes are used to minimize moisture loss. While regulatory trends push toward reducing chemical residues, there is ongoing interest in novel, natural approaches such as the BiOrangePack coating. Andreu emphasizes that if early projections hold true, the ability to extend citrus lifespan could unlock markets that are currently difficult to reach due to transit time, including Japan. (Grower insights.)

In this evolving landscape, some argue that the advance could be a double-edged sword. While extending shelf life offers clear marketing and logistical benefits, competitors may also adopt similar technologies to access European markets, potentially leading to oversupply. Industry voices stress the need to balance innovation with fair competition and to ensure imported products meet the same standards as locally grown goods to prevent disease transmission. (Industry commentary.)

Another line of work from Aimplas explores turning waste into value. The institute is developing plastic films from used coffee grounds as part of a broader European project to transform organic urban waste into food additives, condiments, insect proteins, bioethanol, biosolvents, and bioplastics for packaging. Nuria López, the lead investigator, describes this as a tangible example of how biowaste can drive the circular economy forward. In Valencia, partners reuse coffee grounds as food additives or oil for the food and cosmetic industries. The project also examines urban organic waste such as fish and meat residues and used cooking oil, transforming them into new materials and products. López adds that this work helps change public perception, highlighting the value of urban waste as a resource. (Project update and societal impact.)

Overall, the BiOrangePack initiative sits within a broader push to modernize the citrus supply chain, advance sustainable materials, and harmonize environmental and trade standards across Europe and its trading partners. The collaborative effort demonstrates how scientific research, industry participation, and policy alignment can drive practical advances in postharvest handling while supporting the shift toward a more circular economy. (Strategic summary.)

South Africa, Egypt and Morocco reduce citrus exports to the European Union

Industry observers note that global competition remains intense, and cross-border supply strategies will need to adapt as markets evolve. The debate continues over how best to balance innovation, environmental responsibility, and market access without triggering oversupply or weakening quality standards. (Regional market context.)

double edged sword

There is broad agreement that extending fruit shelf life is attractive for marketing, but the risk of broader market implications cannot be ignored. Stakeholders stress that progress must go hand in hand with practical ecological solutions and responsible policy development to ensure a stable, fair playing field for European citrus and its trading partners. (Industry assessment.)

Some producers also acknowledge that longer-lasting citrus could align with consumer demand for natural and sustainable products. Yet, the pace of regulatory change often outstrips scientific advances, presenting ongoing challenges in pest management and ecological treatments. Ensuring that imported goods meet the same safety and residue standards remains a priority for fair competition and plant health. (Regulatory perspective.)

The citrus sector, while hopeful, continues to call for a level regulatory framework that protects both growers and consumers while encouraging innovation in sustainable packaging and processing. This dual focus underscores the broader shift toward responsible, science-informed progress in global agriculture. (Policy outlook.)