Concept: US-based startup SAVRpak has introduced SAVRpak Drop-In, a moisture control technology that claims to triple the shelf life and freshness of produce. The product is composed of FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-approved food-grade materials and creates an anti-mold and moisture-controlling environment that helps produce to last longer after harvest.

Nature of Disruption: The SAVRpak Drop-In is a thermodynamic, biodegradable, and chemical-free pouch that is inserted into produce packaging before sealing. SAVRpak’s Atmospheric Control and Transmission (ACT) technology then proceed to clean the atmosphere inside the package to slow the aging process. It considers variables that affect shelf life, such as excess moisture and condensation, as well as external contaminants like bacteria. SAVRpak Drop-In eliminates the causes of early molding, wilting, and spoilage, thus maintaining the ideal environment inside the package. It can be used to preserve delicate produces including berries, leafy greens, grapes, small cucumbers, and other peel-less and packed vegetables.

Outlook: Postharvest reddening and other changes in visual appearance and flavor are common in delicate produce, reducing marketability and resulting in waste. With its SAVRpak Drop-In solution, SAVRpak aims to address this issue by keeping food fresher for longer while minimizing food waste, which is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. It has conducted successful trials with Agrovision for blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, Divine Flavor for table grapes, RCG Fruits for blackberries, Ocati for goldenberries, and Agrizar for mini-cucumbers. SAVRpak has demonstrated an increase in the shelf life of golden berries by 10+ days, blackberries by 7 days, raspberries by 4-5 days, and strawberries by 4 days in preliminary testing. The startup plans to roll out SAVRpak Drop-In produce solution first in the US and Latin America.

This article was originally published in Verdict.co.uk