Freshr has recently celebrated the successful completion of an oversubscribed seed funding round aimed at refining its innovative antimicrobial coating technology for sustainable fish packaging. This funding, which attracted investments from notable backers such as Diamond Edge Ventures and Nàdarra Ventures, will support the development of Freshr’s proprietary packaging solutions designed to extend the freshness of fish products while tackling the pressing issues of food waste and environmental impact.

The company argues that a staggering $2.6 trillion in annual economic food losses and approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions are linked to food waste. In response, Freshr has engineered the FreshrPack series, including sheets, rolls, and bags, which are imbued with a naturally-derived antimicrobial coating. This technology can be chemically immobilised in materials that are not only recycled and recyclable but also compostable, which Freshr anticipates will facilitate broader adoption compared to conventional modified atmosphere packaging.

FreshrPack films are reported to enhance shelf life by 15% to 30%, slowing bacterial and chemical spoilage while conserving moisture in fresh fish products. For instance, salmon preserved in FreshrPack reportedly retains its quality for an additional two to four days. Furthermore, the coatings are not classified as food additives, thus eliminating the need for disclosure on product labels, a move that may simplify the marketing of such sustainable solutions. According to the company, the films are compliant with stringent FDA guidelines and are fully biodegradable within industrial composting environments.

Mina Mekhail, CEO and founder of Freshr, noted the significance of this oversubscribed funding round, stating that it validates the company's mission and introduces investors who share a commitment to creating sustainable solutions for the global food supply. Jen Fuccillo from Invest Nova Scotia reiterated this sentiment, highlighting how Freshr’s technology could significantly cut down food waste across the supply chain while improving the shelf life and quality of perishable goods.

Freshr’s novel approach to active packaging echoes wider trends within the food industry. Similar initiatives are emerging, such as OSY Group's Xtend technology, which employs microscopic pins to kill microbes on packaging surfaces, significantly extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. This innovative method, backed by a recent five-figure grant from Innovate UK's Global Explorers Programme, is set to be trialled across continents with plans for market entry in Europe and beyond.

Moreover, the packaging landscape is witnessing advancements such as DS Smith's corrugated seafood box, designed to keep fish fresh while aiming to lower costs and carbon emissions. This container is the first of its kind to be approved for air freight, exemplifying the industry's push toward economically viable and environmentally sustainable solutions.

The challenges posed by food waste and food insecurity continue to loom large globally, with recent estimates suggesting that over a third of fresh proteins go to waste before reaching consumers. Experts advocate for comprehensive strategies, including the adoption of sustainable packaging technologies, to address these issues more effectively. Malcolm Fraser of Nàdarra Ventures emphasised that Freshr’s active packaging not only cuts economic and environmental losses but also potentially transforms the entire food supply chain, enhancing food safety and availability.

Freshr is committed to redefining the fresh protein sector by setting ambitious targets, including the delivery of 500 million pounds of sustainably packaged fresh proteins by 2030. With growing investor interest and a clear pathway for product development, Freshr appears poised to play a pivotal role in the shift towards more sustainable food systems and packaging solutions in the near future.