Representatives from the IMPRESS project participated in the educational activity Circus Science by the Sea on Saturday, 6 June 2026, at Aghleam Townland, County Mayo. The event was organised by Circus250 with support from Research Ireland.
Together with colleagues from Teagasc and Trinity College Dublin, the IMPRESS team showcased research from the IMPRESS project alongside the AIMBio and Circular IMTA DEMO projects.
The research, led by Prof. Ramesh P. Babu from Trinity College Dublin and Prof. Brijesh K. Tiwari from Teagasc, focuses on developing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics and creating high-value biomaterials from underutilised aquatic resources and seafood processing by-products.
Visitors explored biodegradable packaging materials made from PLA (polylactic acid) and PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate), as well as valuable ingredients including alginate gels, proteins, collagen and chitosan derived from seaweed, fish processing waste and shrimp shells. These materials and ingredients have applications in everyday products, including food, cosmetics and other sustainable consumer goods.
The activity included demonstrations of products from the IMPRESS project. IMPRESS materials, including a roll-up and brochures, were distributed during the event.
A key part of the day was interacting with children and their families. Around 12–15 young stakeholders participated in the educational activity. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and thoughtful questions about plastic pollution, sustainability, and marine resources highlighted the importance of engaging young minds in conversations about a more sustainable future.
An engaging play was also arranged for visitors. The play brought the issue of plastic pollution to life and showed how biodegradable packaging solutions developed through the research can help create a more sustainable future.
The day also included a beach clean-up activity organised by Clean Coasts Ireland with demonstrators and visitors, providing an opportunity to connect scientific research with community action and environmental responsibility.
About IMPRESS
IMPRESS is a Horizon Europe-funded research initiative dedicated to advancing sustainable food production from marine and freshwater sources. By focusing on circularity and innovative processing technologies, the project supports a transition to a more resilient food system.
For more information, visit https://impress-he.eu
About Teagasc
Teagasc is Ireland’s Agriculture and Food Development Authority. It provides integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities, supporting science-based innovation, sustainability and competitiveness across the agri-food sector.
For more information, visit https://teagasc.ie
About Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s leading university, with research and teaching at the centre of its work. Through its research activities, Trinity contributes to knowledge, innovation and collaboration across disciplines, including science, engineering, sustainability and societal challenges.
For more information, visit https://www.tcd.ie
Project Coordinator | Prof. Brijesh Tiwari Teagasc Food Research Centre Dublin D15 KN3K, Ireland Brijesh.Tiwari@teagasc.ie |
Project Communication | Christopher Kennard REFRAME FOOD ASTIKI MI KERDOSKOPIKI ETAIRIA L.SOFOU 20, 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece ckennard@reframe.food |
Disclaimer
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
