100% biobased home compostable active flexible packaging extending shelf life

Overview

BioShūr Inc. is developing a revolutionary packaging solution that combines 100% biobased, home compostable films with active natural ingredients to extend the shelf life of perishable foods. The packaging attacks and kills gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens, as well as other spoilers, at the food surface and within the packaging headspace. By reducing food waste—which accounts for approximately 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions—this technology delivers both environmental and commercial benefits. The films are clear, flexible, and exhibit good barrier properties, making them suitable for a wide range of food applications.

Technical specifications

• Active packaging mechanism: Natural ingredients embedded in the film release bioactive compounds that reduce pathogen and spoiler loads by 3–4 log10, even in open packages.
• Material composition: 100% biobased polymers, free from oil-derived plastics, certified home compostable.
• Film properties: Clear, flexible, with good strength, resilience, and excellent barrier properties for select applications.
• Validated applications: Prepared meats, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, bread, rice, cereal, and other dry goods.
• Environmental impact: Reduced food waste combined with compostable biopolymers results in lower greenhouse gas emissions across the product lifecycle.

Technology readiness level

The technology is currently at the proof-of-concept stage. The underlying science has been validated through years of research in a UN-recognized food science laboratory, with demonstrated efficacy across a broad range of foods and pathogens. BioShūr Inc. has also produced biobased, home compostable films with strong mechanical and barrier properties. The short-term goal is to deliver working prototypes by year end, with an initial target of extending the shelf life of perishable produce—such as lettuce, cauliflower, and strawberries—by 14 days beyond current shelf life. Future plans include addressing modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), skin packaging, frozen animal proteins, and bioactive compostable meat pads to replace bacteria-hosting cellulose pads.