The S4Agro Project aims to support companies in the agro-industrial sector in their search for sustainable solutions, ranging from plastic packaging to the digitalization of the industry and circular economy practices. Led by Pedro Dinis, from the University of Beira Interior, it stands out for qualifying small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt innovative and sustainable solutions, with the aim of increasing productivity and efficiency in Industry 4.0 and the circular economy.
The project has carried out international benchmarking, identifying effective technologies and offering training for technological innovation adapted to each segment. With a focus on sustainable packaging, it seeks to reduce environmental impact by encouraging reuse, recycling, and the use of biodegradable materials.
It has already developed best practice manuals, case studies and computer tools for implementing sustainable solutions, such as biodegradable and compostable packaging. The positive results are evident, with companies recognizing the importance of updating to remain competitive.
Pedro Dinis stresses the importance of extending the project’s reach to all companies in the agro-industrial sector, given the positive impact of the sustainable solutions proposed.