Every year, over 1.3 billion tonnes of edible food are wasted globally—around one-third of total production. In the EU alone, food waste amounts to 89 million tonnes annually, generating 8% of CO₂ emissions and costing an estimated €143 billion. The SISTERS project, coordinated by Aitiip Technology Centre, addresses this critical issue through a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming the European food system into a more sustainable, circular model.

SISTERS focuses on each stage of the agri-food value chain. At the production level, many edible products are discarded due to cosmetic standards. To counter this, the project is developing a Short Chain Platform, allowing primary producers to directly sell “imperfect” fruits and vegetables to consumers—products that would otherwise be wasted.

Food losses also occur during storage and transport. Aitiip has developed two types of smart, reusable containers—the BulkBox for fresh bulk produce and the StoreBox for packaged goods. Both are equipped with sensors that monitor temperature and humidity, sending real-time data to the cloud to maintain optimal conditions. In transport trials, the BulkBox reduced spinach waste from 26% to just 4%, while peppers showed better moisture retention and weight conservation.

Packaging is another key pillar. Aitiip and other partners are developing biobased, recyclable, and home-compostable materials, incorporating enzymes that accelerate degradation under proper composting conditions. These materials are being tested in both flexible and rigid formats with partners across Europe. This effort aligns with EU goals to reduce landfill waste and promote circular bioeconomy practices.

SISTERS also engages retailers through a Good Practices Manual and a forthcoming Seal of Excellence for those actively working to reduce food waste. At the consumer level, smart labelling with QR codes will provide transparent product information—origin, storage guidance, and the environmental cost of waste.

With its holistic approach and strong technical leadership from Aitiip Technology Centre, SISTERS is proving that it is possible to redesign the food system—reducing waste, enhancing sustainability, and supporting the transition to a circular economy in Europe.