AgroSustain, developer of a plant-based coating solution that can extend shelf-life of fresh produce has entered into a collaboration agreement with the Brazillian based Nanoceuticals LTDA to commercialise the solution. The startup will conduct the first pilot trails with one of the leading European retailers.
Earlier this year, AgroSustain, the Swiss-based company developing natural crop protection products, initiated a collaboration with Nanoceuticals LTDA – a Brazilian-based company developing plant-based extracts that are used, amongst others, in the cosmetic and food industry. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, fresh produce like fruits and vegetables are prone to disruptions in the value chain. This collaboration will allow the two biotech companies will address food perishability issues to extend the freshness of fruits and vegetables along the value chain.
AgroSustain’s plant-based coating is applied right after the harvest, to slow down the maturing process and water loss during transportation to keep the product as fresh as possible until it arrives at the consumer. First tests have shown, that stone fruits and lemons treated with the colourless, and odourless product, have no signs of decay by up to 21 days longer than untreated fruit. Being 100 percent biological, edible and biodegradable, the coating is suited to the expectations of modern, environmentally and health-conscious consumers.
As a next step, the companies intend to conduct pilot trials in collaboration with one of the largest European retailers, to optimise the product formulation and make it applicable to an extended number of crops. The companies have obtained a grant from InnoSuisse to support the product launch. Parties intend to bring the product to market in the coming 18 to 20 months. The companies are optimistic about receiving registration approval as the core compounds of the coating are already certified as edible compounds by the regulatory authorities in Brazil.
AgroSustain will be responsible for product certification and its commercialisation. Through this collaboration, AgroSustain added an effective post-harvest solution to its crop protection portfolio. The company will now be able to provide its clients with a complete service from the field to the retail shelf.
(Press release/RAN)
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