Han Brinkhuis from McAirlaid’s highlights REDYSIGN’s role in advancing sustainable food packaging solutions at the EPIC Masterclass
On 15 October 2025, the EPIC Masterclass “Food Packaging Materials & Technologies for a Greener Future” brought together industry experts and innovators to explore the latest advancements in sustainable food packaging.
Representing REDYSIGN, Han Brinkhuis from McAirlaid’s Vliesstoffe GmbH shared insights into sustainable pad innovation and the company’s contribution to the project’s mission of developing smart, fibre based, recyclable-by-design packaging for fresh meat distribution.
Sustainable innovation in focus
During his presentation, Han Brinkhuis introduced McAirlaid’s vision to “create immediate and long-term value for customers and society while preserving food and reducing the carbon footprint.” He highlighted the company’s fully plant and cellulose-based paper pads, a next-generation solution that is:
- Biodegradable and compostable.
- Plastic free.
- Designed to match the functional performance of conventional food pads.
- Currently in commercial rollout.
- Engineered for recyclability.
- Developed to reduce CO2 emissions throughout the product lifecycle.
McAirlaid’s ongoing developments also include bio-based PE and PLA alternatives and the innovative MAP EnhancerPad, which is a packaging solution that extends the shelf life of meat and fish by generating protective gas directly within the packaging. This active approach helps reduce food waste, lower CO2 emissions, and minimise plastic use.
As part of REDYSIGN, McAirlaid’s expects to contribute to future packaging solutions that will enhance food safety, reduce the carbon footprint through decreased food waste and the use of alternative raw materials, and bring circularity to the next level by turning waste into value.
EPIC Masterclasses: Driving collaboration for a circular future
The session, organised within the EPIC Masterclass Series for the Food Sector, provided an open forum to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of packaging, from meeting EU regulatory demands to implementing circular and resource-efficient solutions.
REDYSIGN’s participation demonstrated how collaboration between industry and research can accelerate the shift towards sustainable packaging models that protect both products and the planet.
You can now watch the full EPIC Masterclass “Food Packaging Materials & Technologies for a Greener Future” and discover more about the innovations shaping sustainable packaging.
Midway through the REDYSIGN journey: milestones reached and the path to circularity ahead
