Teagasc – the Agriculture and Food Development Authority is Ireland’s national body providing integrated research, advisory, and training services to the agriculture and food sectors, as well as rural communities. The organisation delivers scientific leadership and supports Irish farmers and food companies in advancing a sustainable food system. It is internationally recognised for developing innovative, science-based solutions that enable the sustainable transformation of land and bioresources into high-value products and services for society.
Teagasc leads the extraction of high-value biopolymers (chitosan, starch, and cellulose) from agri-food waste using advanced green technologies. It develops functional food packaging solutions, including edible and antimicrobial coatings, and evaluates their performance in terms of mechanical strength, barrier properties, and stability. Teagasc also contributes to the development and validation of bio-based, biodegradable packaging prototypes. In addition, it carries out detailed material characterisation and shelf-life assessments under real conditions. Through these activities, Teagasc advances the development of sustainable, circular packaging solutions.