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Green solution reduces waste and plastic

19 November 2021

AgriTech start-up Sufresca has optimised its invisible edible coating designed to extend the shelf-life of fresh produce and has expanded its use to fit a range of fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Sufresca developed an edible, biodegradable, water-based emulsion composed of wholly natural food ingredients and inbuilt with modified atmosphere properties. When applied to a fresh fruit or vegetables, the solution creates a breathable coating. Minute disruptions within the coating act as a partial barrier that allows for optimal gas exchange. This slows down the post-harvest maturation and ripening processes and subsequent degradation and decay. It also solves the problems that come with using impermeable sealants.

This sustainable solution is said to be able to extend shelf life by up to several weeks, saving plastic packaging and extending shipment time. 

The company has also developed a business model for straightforward application of its solution into existing systems in a bid to make the coating solution an attractive, scalable, and convenient option for producers, distributers, and exporters of fresh produce in the early stages of the supply chain but can also be applied at the later stages.

“Retailers and packaging houses are seeking cost-effective solutions to reduce waste and are kind to the planet,” said Boker-Ferri CEO of Sufresca . “Our natural formula can be integrated into existing industry equipment, is adaptable to the various coating techniques and is completely safe to use. While we do offer a range of support services and guidance, our system is very straightforward to implement, eliminating the need for Sufresca personnel to be on site, increasing its affordability.”


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