FACULTY OF FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF ZAGREB  

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ECOTROPHELIA CROATIA 2015 - GOLD
ECOTROPHELIA EUROPE 2015 - Europe - Special prize "Coup de coeur" Innovation

UNITA

"Unita", an edible thread, simplifies preparing and consuming food. It's strength and elasticity means it can be used for decorating, fixing snacks and sandwiches, or as decoration.

"Unita" is edible thread characterized by its strength and elasticity. Its name literally translated from Latin means “united“, but it is also associated with the thread or yarn which is its primary purpose. It is available in two sizes, with a diameter of 1 mm and 3 mm. A net weight of smaller thread is 7 g, and it is 6.5 m long, while the thread with the diameter of 3 mm has a net weight of 20 g and it is 2m long. This type of product does not exist in the Croatian or world market, and there is no direct competition. "Unita" replaces the thread which is used in cooking, but unlike an ordinary culinary thread, it is not necessary to remove “Unita” because it is edible. It consists of collagen which is a natural source of proteins, water, dextrose, xanthan and glycerol. "Unita" can be colourless or it can come in four different colours: red, green, yellow and black, depending on the occasion. Natural extracts of beetroot are used in order to get the red colour of a thread, spinach for green, turmeric for yellow, and squid ink for black. Also, "Unita" threads can be offered with different flavors, for example, cinnamon, ginger, chili etc. „Unita " is edible wrapping material and can be used for decorating, fixing snacks and sandwiches, or as a cake decoration. In general, for all kinds of meals it could replace the ordinary culinary threads. This kind of product would reduce waste. Bones and connective tissue of animals that are usually waste in the meat industry would be used to produce collagen which is a raw material for the edible thread. Unita's packaging is made entirely of recycled paper which promotes environmental awareness among consumers. Also, such packaging is affordable. Unlike plastic packaging, this one is inert. "Unita" is eco-innovative product that simplifies preparing and consuming food, and keeps up with bustling pace of life.