Saveggy has received a Eurostars grant of over €440,000 to further develop its fossil-free, edible coating to extend the shelf life of cucumbers by preventing dehydration, oxidation, and microorganism growth.
Reportedly, the material contains food-grade and naturally produced ingredients and can be sprayed onto cucumbers to form a protective later. It is set to be utilised by supermarket chain ICA and the fruit and vegetable producer organisation Odlarlaget to launch the treated cucumbers next year.
With the new grant, Saveggy expects to adapt its technology and extend the shelf life of other foods through collaborations with Arborea Bio Foods and Thorverk.
“I’m thrilled that we will now have the chance to develop the third generation of our coating,” says Vahid Sohrabpour, founder and CEO of Saveggy. “Our technology has the potential to revolutionise logistics chains and handling of fruit and vegetables in Europe. Our aim is to protect fresh foods that currently have no protection, thereby significantly extending their shelf life.”
£3 million in seed funding was recently granted to Kelpi for the further development of its seaweed-based biomaterial coatings for recyclable and home-compostable food, drinks, and cosmetics packaging.
Last year, Tesco trialled Apeel, a plant-based, edible protective coating, for fresh produce such as oranges and lemons sold in around 80 of its stores.
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