Generation Food Rural Partners I (GFRP) has announced the merger of TerraSafe Materials and DisSolves, aimed at bridging the technology gap between packaging materials and films.

The combined entity, now operating under the TerraSafe brand, aims to provide a broad range of high-performance packaging solutions designed for the food industry. It intends to bring 100% plastic-free solutions to market at cost parity.

GFRP is a Rural Business Investment Company-licensed fund managed by Big Idea Ventures, a global investor in food and agricultural technology.

The merger is a response to the need for a material revolution within the packaging industry, aiming for a circular and regenerative economy. TerraSafe's platform model, combined with DisSolves' edible, food-grade film technology, is set to expedite the transition away from unsustainable fossil-fuel-based packaging.

TerraSafe CEO Scott Bolin said: "Combining TerraSafe and DisSolves opens the door for new product use cases that make sustainable packaging the easier choice. Our dissolving, edible pods are a waste-free replacement for single-serving sachets.

"Combined with the TerraSafe engine, we're bringing it to market even faster than we had planned."

The combined company is set to provide a range of biobased substrates, coatings, and edible films.

According to a press release, these solutions are designed to address the growing environmental and health concerns related to traditional plastic packaging.

TerraSafe's material platform spans barriers, foams, rigid substrates, and more.