Canada’s Freshr Sustainable Technologies has entered a joint development agreement with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) to advance its packaging technology. 

MCC’s holding company, Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG), has invested in Freshr. 

The investment will scale up Freshr's technology and aid its global growth as part of MCG's KAITEKI Vision 35 strategy, focusing on sustainability and innovation in materials.  

Food waste results in significant economic and environmental impacts, costing $2.6 trillion annually and accounting for 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.  

Freshr CEO and founder Mina Mekhail stated: “We are extremely proud to partner with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. 

“This agreement reflects MCC’s deep commitment to innovation and sustainability, and affirms the progress we’ve made toward a global vision: reducing food waste with scaleable, science-backed solutions.” 

In Japan, 4.64 million tonnes of food waste are produced each year.  

The country aims to address these issues by utilising Freshr's technology in conjunction with MCG's global expertise.

Freshr has developed the FreshrPack coating for food packaging, which helps to delay spoilage by preventing bacterial growth, extending the shelf life of fresh proteins.  

Freshr, headquartered in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, disclosed an “oversubscribed” funding round in March 2025.  

Investors were BDC Capital’s Climate Tech Fund, Blue Tide Capital Ventures, Diamond Edge Ventures, Invest Nova Scotia and Nàdarra Ventures. 

MCC business senior director of the packaging and barrier films department Toshiaki Esumi stated: “This partnership with Freshr supports our KAITEKI Vision 35 by advancing practical solutions that promote sustainability and improve food quality. 

“We believe their innovative approach to packaging has the potential to significantly reduce food waste and deliver real value across the global supply chain.”