OSY Group, a pioneering force in food tech, has entered into a commercial partnership aimed at enhancing food and drink packaging for soft fruits, primarily targeting UK supermarkets.
This collaboration with SHARPAK Aylesham, a leading packaging manufacturer, focuses on extending the shelf life of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and grapes, thereby contributing to significant reductions in food waste.
Utilizing OSY Group’s innovative antimicrobial coating, food can remain fresh for longer. This technology utilizes microscopic pins on packaging surfaces that penetrate and neutralize microbes, effectively slowing the natural spoilage process of the produce.
The partnership follows extensive testing of this technology with global commercial partners, independent laboratories, and various testing facilities. These efforts have confirmed compliance with Food Contact Materials regulations and ensured the solution is food safe.
SHARPAK, located near Canterbury in Kent, boasts the largest variety of food and drink sustainable packaging for fruits and vegetables in the UK market.
Marc Braterman, CEO of OSY Group, remarked that the collaboration will facilitate the delivery of this technology across SHARPAK’s expansive customer network and into additional sectors. He stated: “We are extremely excited to announce our commercial partnership with SHARPAK, the key player offering the widest range available of packaging for soft fruits sold by UK supermarkets. Its packaging is also used for a broad cross-section of fresh produce and other food categories, including meat and poultry.”
“Our coating technology, which is proven and ready for deployment in a variety of markets, is a huge and beneficial differentiator for food producers, retailers, and consumers, as it reduces wastage and helps maintain the freshness of food. For certain products, an extension of even one day can cut food waste by up to 50 percent.”
“SHARPAK is an innovation leader in its field, dedicated to enhancing sustainability for its clients. Likewise, we drive innovation in food packaging technology, and we eagerly anticipate a successful partnership with SHARPAK while expanding our coating into other produce markets in the UK.”
Martin Taylor, Business Director at SHARPAK, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “This collaboration with OSY Group represents a significant advancement in packaging innovation. Their antimicrobial coating aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver smarter, more sustainable food and drink packaging solutions that meet the real-world needs of our customers.”
“By extending the shelf life of soft fruits, we directly contribute to waste reduction across the supply chain—a growing priority for both the sector and consumers.”
“SHARPAK has consistently led the market in integrating new technologies for fresh produce packaging, and we’re proud to establish the benchmark for innovation and performance in the industry.”
“This collaboration is a logical progression toward making significant improvements for our customers and the sector as a whole.”
Globally, it’s estimated that approximately US$2.6 trillion worth of food is wasted each year, with nearly 25 percent of all fruits and vegetables being lost in this manner.
