Apeel Apple
A California company has come up with what may be the ultimate in sustainable packaging options for fruit and vegetables.
Apeel Sciences has developed an edible, plant-derived coating that acts as a little extra “peel” on the surface of fruits and vegetables, doubling to tripling the shelf life of many produce types without the need for refrigeration.
It does this by slowing the rate of water loss and oxidation, which are the main factors that lead to spoilage. By introducing more time, access and freshness across the supply chain, Apeel’s solution extends value and increases operational flexibility for growers/suppliers and retailers.
Apeel is a company formed to fight the global food waste crisis, but its solution may also lead to a decline in packaging waste.
Apeel produce, which is currently commercially available for avocados, citrus fruits and organic apples, maintains its just-harvested quality, flavour and freshness longer than produce without Apeel. Consumers therefore have a longer window of time to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, which in turn reduces the level of food that is wasted at home. At the retail level, Apeel is on track to save 20 million pieces of fruit from going to waste in 2020.
