The material could extend the shelf-life of fresh fruit by two to three days. Credit: © Nanyang Technological University.

Researchers from Singapore and the US have developed a biodegradable packaging material that can kill microbes harmful to humans.

The sustainable material is created by scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, US.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

This packaging material is made from a kind of corn protein known as zein, starch and other biopolymers that are then infused with natural antimicrobial compounds such as oil from thyme, and citric acid.

During lab experiments, the fibres, on being exposed to increased humidity or enzymes from harmful bacteria, released small amount of the antimicrobial compounds that in turn kill bacteria such as coli and Listeria, as well as fungi.

The material has the potential to be used for storing food items such as raw meat, fish, fruit, vegetables and ready-to-eat meals because the compounds can fight bacteria growing on the surface of the packaging as well as on the food itself.

See Also:

The scientists believe the advanced packaging material is expected to extend the shelf-life of fresh fruit by two to three days.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In an experiment, strawberries covered in the sustainable packaging remained fresh for seven days before developing mould as against counterparts that were put in traditional fruit plastic boxes, where the fruit remained fresh only for four days.

This development on the food packaging material is part of the NTU’s efforts to promote sustainable food tech solutions and aligned with the NTU 2025 strategic plan.

In November 2020, researchers of the University of Liverpool secured a £965k project to boost sustainability in plastic packaging and provide environmental benefits.