OneSpray - Extending the shelf life of fresh produce through novel antimicrobial coating technology

Food waste is an issue of global significance, affecting food security and environmental sustainability with about one third of all food produced, equivalent to 1.3 billion tonnes per annum, wasted in the food production and consumption systems. In the UK, approximately 15 million tonnes of food waste is created every year, with a value of over £6.7billion, the majority of which is made up of perishable/short shelf-life products (avoidable waste) with bread representing 32% of edible purchases being wasted, fruits, vegetables equating to 24%.

Similar shelf-life challenges are found within the Retail sector with most retailers operating with significant fresh produce waste levels.

With Innovate UK support, OneSpray aim to address this global challenge, through the further development and exploitation of a truly disruptive food packaging solution that has already been proven in its ability to extend the shelf-life of perishable food by 30%-100%. The innovation centres on a novel and safe antimicrobial solution that can be applied to any packaging product with antimicrobial functionality lasting over 30 days withstanding strong abrasion, whilst killing 99.9% of pathogens and reducing microbial activity within the packaging that contribute to mould growth and therefore product deterioration.

This project will explore new product formulations for different types of Fresh Produce and packaging formats and trial shelf-life extension capabilities across a wider range of Fresh Produce. If successful, the proposed innovation has the potential to reduce the volume of food waste levels generated in stores and in UK homes by up to 50%, improving the access to fresh nutritious foods, with significant economic and environmental benefits across the entire food supply chain.