A revolutionary approach to preserving fresh produce and reducing global food waste through plant-based technology and advanced traceability systems.
Imagine buying a perfect avocado, only to find it spoiled just two days later. Now, picture that same scenario playing out millions of times daily across global supply chains. The staggering reality is that one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted before it can be eaten, costing the global economy over $1 trillion annually and contributing 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions 2 .
of all food produced is wasted
annual cost to global economy
of global greenhouse gas emissions
In the race to feed a projected population of nearly 10 billion by 2050, our current food systems—weighed down by these inefficiencies—are struggling to keep pace 2 . For decades, the primary tools for preserving fresh produce have remained largely unchanged: refrigeration, synthetic waxes, fungicides, and single-use plastics, each carrying significant environmental trade-offs 2 .
Apeel's technology takes its cue from nature's own preservation systems. The company uses ingredients universally found in the peels, pulp, and seeds of all plants—including plants we already eat—to create a thin, edible layer that reinforces the existing natural peel of fruits and vegetables 1 2 .
Apeel's Protective Mechanism: The coating works by mimicking the natural cuticle layer developed by many plants as a form of protection. This invisible barrier primarily slows down two natural processes that cause spoilage:
The coating is applied as a spray, brush, or dip treatment that integrates easily into existing packing operations 7 .
The implementation of Apeel's coating represents a significant shift in post-harvest handling. Initially focusing on retailers, the company soon realized that the greatest impact opportunity existed earlier in the supply chain 2 . Today, Apeel partners primarily with growers, packers, and shippers—those who handle produce immediately after harvest and have the most influence over its eventual shelf life 2 .
Apeel's powder is mixed with water to create the application solution.
The solution is applied to produce through spraying, brushing, or dipping.
The treated produce is dried and continues through normal distribution channels 7 .
| Produce Type | Extension of Shelf Life | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Avocados | 3 additional days of peak ripeness | Better quality for consumers |
| Apples | 45% reduction in decay after 28 days | Less spoilage in stores |
| Limes | 94% less shriveling after 28 days | Improved appearance and quality |
| General Produce | Up to twice as long as usual | Reduced waste throughout supply chain 4 7 |
As Apeel prepared to manufacture its Edipeel™ coating at scale, the company recognized that its traceability practices needed evolution to meet federal regulations and operational demands 3 . In food manufacturing, lot traceability—the ability to follow a product's journey across production, processing, and distribution—isn't just a best practice but a regulatory requirement critical for public health protection 8 .
Quickly isolate and recall specific batches if safety concerns arise
Meet stringent FDA FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) requirements
Provide transparency about product origins and handling 8
To address these challenges, Apeel enlisted experts to conduct an end-to-end supply chain review through on-site interviews and process evaluation 3 . The assessment verified their compliance with federal regulations while identifying areas vulnerable at scale.
Product identification at each supply chain point for treated produce tracking from application to sale.
Centralized recordkeeping of all tracking events for efficient compliance with FDA FSMA 204 rules.
Unique identifiers for each production batch enabling precise traceback capability if issues arise.
Secure information exchange between supply chain partners for streamlined communication 8 .
Apeel's innovation extends beyond physical coatings to digital solutions that complement their traceability efforts. The company's RipeTrack platform represents a significant advancement in produce quality monitoring 2 5 .
Firmness testing that's three times more accurate than industry standards
Assess internal characteristics without damaging produce
Aggregates inspection information across operations to predict ideal ripe dates 5
| Material/Component | Function in Development/Production | Safety and Regulatory Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mono- and Diglycerides | Primary coating ingredients derived from plant lipids | FDA-approved, non-GMO, allergen-free 2 4 |
| Agricultural Feedstocks | Source materials (e.g., grape seeds from wineries) | Responsibly sourced, often using food processing byproducts 7 |
| Standard Industrial Processing Equipment | Current manufacturing infrastructure | Industry-standard for food-grade ingredient production 4 |
Since 2021, Apeel reports their technology has helped prevent the waste of 166 million pieces of fruit, avoided 29,100 metric tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions, and conserved 6.96 billion liters of water 2 . These numbers represent more than just business success—they signal a meaningful shift toward a more resilient food system.
Pieces of fruit saved from waste
Metric tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions avoided
Liters of water conserved
The company's journey in developing robust lot traceability parallels their broader mission: creating solutions that are not only effective but also safe, transparent, and scalable. As climate change intensifies and global food demand rises, such innovations become increasingly vital 2 .
Perhaps most importantly, Apeel's story demonstrates that tackling grand challenges like food waste requires addressing both the obvious problems and the secondary challenges that emerge—whether that's creating an invisible protective layer or building the traceability systems that ensure such innovations can scale safely across global supply chains.
As Apeel continues to expand, their model offers a compelling vision for the future of food technology: one where extending shelf life means extending the impact fresh food can have on health, sustainability, and creating a smarter, fairer, more abundant food system for everyone 2 .