MoPaK
Smart packaging is a type of packaging that actively signals changes in environmental and storage conditions related to a product to the user. In this context, it contains components that provide added value, including various indicators, sensors, or advanced technologies for monitoring the properties of the packaged product. It may also include anti-counterfeiting elements. MoPaK aims to develop a modular system of sustainable packaging with added value for monitoring the safety, quality, and authenticity of products during storage and throughout their shelf life. The expected research results will expand knowledge on the application of chromogenic materials, biodegradable polymer materials, and agro-waste in sustainable smart packaging. They will also enable safe and simple interpretation of the condition and authenticity of the packaged product by the end user.
| Start date: | 1 October 2025 |
| Project duration: | 48 months |
| Project ID: | NPOO MAHOVIĆ POLJAČEK 2025/2029 2025106 |
| Project title: | Development of a Modular System of Sustainable Smart Packaging with Chromogenic Indicators (MoPaK) |
| Project leader: | Prof. Sanja Mahović Poljaček, PhD |
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
To develop a prototype of a modular sustainable packaging system with added value for monitoring the safety, quality, and authenticity of products during storage and for the end user.
1. To develop new functional chromogenic indicators and security elements with optimized properties for application in smart packaging.
2. To produce sustainable polymer blends with optimized properties, incorporating fillers derived from agro-waste, for packaging applications using additive manufacturing.
3. To develop colour reference charts for application on smart packaging, enabling visual verification of product condition.
4. To enhance the institution’s research capacities and disseminate the project results.
TEAM
Assoc. Prof. PhD
Sanja Mahović Poljaček
Project Leader
Assoc. Prof. PhD
Tamara Tomašegović
Team Member
Assoc. Prof. PhD
Maja Strižič Jakovljević
Team Member
Assoc. Prof. PhD
Sonja Jamincki Hanzer
Team Member
Assoc. Prof. PhD
Davor Donevski
Team Member
Asst. Prof. PhD
Vladimir Cviljušac
Team Member
PUBLICATIONS
Mahović Poljaček, Sanja; Tomašegović, Tamara; Priselac, Dino, Toward Sustainable Printed Packaging: Surface Properties and Ink Adhesion Behavior of PLA/PCL/Nanosilica Biopolymer Blends // Polymers, 18 (2026), 3; 422-445. doi: 10.3390/polym18030422
Mahović Poljaček, Sanja; Tomašegović, Tamara; Donevski, Davor Structural, interfacial, and pH-responsive colorimetric characterization of starch–nanocellulose–anthocyanin indicators developed for biodegradable PLA/PCL food packaging // Journal of food measurement and characterization, 20 (2026), 6; 12465-12486. doi: 10.1007/s11694-026-04495-4
Strižić Jakovljević, Maja; Mahović Poljaček, Sanja; Dujmović, Mihaela Properties and suitability of recycled papers for graphic technology and packaging // Conference Proceedings of the 27th International Conference on Materials, Tribology & Recycling MATRIB 2026 / Mihalic Pokopec, Ivana; Viderščak, Dalibor (ur.). Zagreb: Hrvatsko društvo za materijale i tribologiju, 2026. str. 437-445
Mahović Poljaček, Sanja; Tomašegović, Tamara; Bakarić, Ivan Challenges in the reproduction of fine raster elements on polymeric packaging materials // Conference Proceedings of the 27th International Conference on Materials, Tribology & Recycling MATRIB 2026 / Mihalic Pokopec, Ivana; Viderščak, Dalibor (ur.). Zagreb: Hrvatsko društvo za materijale i tribologiju, 2026. str. 276-284
