A group of students from the University of Economics and the University of Science and Technology under the University of Da Nang have won the first prize at the 4^th Innovative Technology Entrepreneurship - The University of Da Nang (InTE_UD) 2024 for its project “VSCO WRAP biodegradable food wrap from BC Kombucha containing antibacterial compounds from almond leaves combined with Anthocyanin in purple sweet potato peel”.

The first prize of the InTE_UD contest 2024 went to a group of students from the University of Science and Technology (Tran Hoang Nha Uyen, Nguyen Thi Quynh Nhi, Pham Thi My Tam) and the University of Economics (Tran Hoang Nha Quynh). Photo courtesy of the group

This is a project with a safe preservation solution to replace chemical preservatives and plastic wrap. It is environmentally friendly, edible, quickly biodegradable; as well as helps maintain food quality and detect food spoilage.

Notably, the wrap is made entirely from 100% biological by-products that do not contain fossil polymers (PE, PVC...). It is created by a combination of antibacterial essence from almond leaf extract and sweet potato, which can protect food from spoilage in a superior way.

The project has been highly appreciated for its creativity and uniqueness, aiming to solve community problems, especially business creating social impact, green economy and circular economy.

According to the group, the use of chemical preservatives to spray or dip in food preservation is a commonly used method to extend the preservation time and maintain food quality. However, the abuse or improper handling of preservatives will pose many potential risks, especially directly affecting human health. Therefore, biodegradable food wrap is one of the very new directions to limit environmental pollution and protect consumer health. In particular, purple sweet potato peel is a waste product but it contains high anthocyanin content. However, not many people know and take advantage of it.

Student Tran Hoang Nha Uyen, the group leader, shared that, apart from the potential and advantages of the project, the biodegradable food wrap will have difficulty competing in price with plastic packaging. The main reasons are thought to be that it is not being able to contain a variety of raw materials because it is only optimally used with solid materials. Moreover, the production techniques are quite complicated, requiring high-tech equipment.

In the coming time, the team will focus on perfect the product to meet the requirements of mechanical strength, sensory properties, biodegradability, antibacterial properties, and the ability to monitor food quality over time.

At the same time, priority will be given to testing the quality of the warp in order to increase the preservation period and monitor the damage of some types of food.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Dat, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the University of Da Nang, projects participating in the final round of InTE_UD 2024 in early October 2024 showed sources of quality, highly applicable and feasible ideas to successfully develop start-up businesses.

This year's competition focuses on the goal of solving community problems, from which many creative ideas have emerged in many different and new fields.

The VSCO WRAP project demonstrates the effectiveness of utilising biological activities from waste and by-products in the food production process to optimise production costs as well as create many new, useful and environmentally friendly products.

The InTE_UD is not only a "playground", but also an opportunity for young people who are passionate about starting a business. Contestants with creative and unique ideas target to solve community and social problems, contributing to promoting the local socio-economic development.

Reporting by HUU ANH - Translating by M.DUNG