Introducing Biotech Heights: A New Research Hub for Sustainable Food and Drink Packaging
Biotech Heights, a collaboration between Tetra Pak and Lund University, is a cutting-edge research hub focused on exploring innovative approaches to food and drink packaging. With a mission to develop sustainable solutions, Biotech Heights will utilize bioprocessing technology to create useful products from living cells and cell components.
This groundbreaking initiative will establish an open innovation environment, providing participating organizations with access to world-leading laboratories and equipment for both commercial and academic purposes. By bringing together experts from various fields, including academia and industry, Biotech Heights aims to address technical and non-technical challenges faced by producers, brands, and manufacturers in the food and beverage sector.
As the world grapples with the environmental impact of current food production practices, Biotech Heights is poised to be a catalyst for change. More than one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to the production, processing, and packaging of food. With a growing population and limited arable farmland, innovative food sources offer a crucial avenue for sustainable growth. However, scaling these solutions presents significant technological obstacles that Biotech Heights aims to overcome through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Charles Brand, Executive Vice President for Processing Solutions & Equipment at Tetra Pak, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in transforming our food systems. He states, “Today’s food systems are inadequate, and we need to work together across business and academia to develop new solutions. With Biotech Heights, we provide a safe space for testing scalable solutions to address this multifaceted challenge.”
In deepening the partnership between Tetra Pak and Lund University, Biotech Heights combines industry-leading expertise in food processing and packaging with cutting-edge research capabilities. Lund University, recognized as one of the world’s top 100 universities, brings its research mission of scalable biotechnology to the table. This collaboration solidifies the region’s reputation as a hub for groundbreaking food innovations.
Annika Olsson, Dean at Lund University Faculty of Engineering, acknowledges the importance of industry partnerships in driving transformative change. Olsson emphasizes, “By collaborating with key industry partners like Tetra Pak and leveraging diverse infrastructure, we can foster state-of-the-art advancements and drive positive change on a larger scale.”
Consumer acceptance and education play a pivotal role in the success of new food innovations. The latest insights from Tetra Pak Index 2023 reveal that 48% of global consumers believe technological innovation is crucial for healthy food and drinks. However, 46% perceive food innovation as risky, fearing potential health implications. To address this dichotomy, Biotech Heights will undertake cross-disciplinary research in marketing strategies, consumer behavior, and emerging trends. By gaining market-leading understanding of consumer perception and branding, the hub aims to overcome technical obstacles and support alternative protein producers.
Micael Simonsson, Director of Processing Development & Biotechnology at Tetra Pak, affirms the commitment to creating healthy and sustainable food products through cutting-edge technology. Simonsson states, “This partnership with Lund University marks a significant step towards delivering new food innovations that align with our goals. We also welcome new collaborators to join us on this transformative journey.”
