Deadline nears to apply for sustainable packaging solution program
The deadline to apply for the Fresh Field Catalyst Program, seeking new ideas in sustainable packaging solutions for fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, is less than a week away.
The program, with awards to startups, inventors and companies ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, is supported by the Foundation for Fresh Produce, the International Fresh Produce Association, Clemson University, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research and the USDA.
Applications are due Feb. 12.
The project will research and explore packaging options to help the specialty crop industry continue to supply international markets while lessening reliance on single-use plastics.
Program highlights include an industry immersion week in California, one-on-one mentorships with industry veterans and a demo day to present innovations to key fresh produce sector stakeholders.
Packaging innovations are sought in the following areas:
- Increasing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in primary food packaging
- Increasing reusability in transport and group packaging including traceability
- Compostable (home and/or industrially) packaging
- Finding new formats to replace banned materials such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) coatings
- Alternatives to shrink-wrapped individual containers, and containers for produce under 1.5 kilograms
- Developing sticky labels for fresh fruit and vegetables that are both home and industrially compostable
- Laser etching
- Edible coatings
- Compostable pads for absorbing moisture in clamshells or lidded trays
- Compostable or reusable inserts or satchels for sequestering ethylene or carbon dioxide
- Food-safe antimicrobial coatings for reusable packaging
