Extending Produce Shelf Life, Combating Food Waste, and Promoting Sustainability with Plant-Based Technology

Apeel Sciences has emerged as a pioneering company addressing one of the most critical challenges in global food systems: food waste.

Founded on a mission to extend the life of fresh produce and reduce global food insecurity, the California-based company has developed a unique plant-based technology that is transforming how fruits and vegetables are preserved and distributed.

Apeel Sciences was established with a clear and ambitious vision: to develop sustainable solutions that could extend the quality and life of fresh produce while making it more accessible to consumers worldwide.

The company’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the global food waste problem. Nearly 800 million people go to bed hungry each night, while simultaneously, one-third of food produced is lost or thrown away before it can be consumed.

This stark contradiction drives Apeel’s core mission of eradicating food insecurity and supporting environmental sustainability.

The company’s innovative technology is deceptively simple yet scientifically sophisticated. By creating an edible, plant-based coating derived from natural materials found in fruits and vegetables, Apeel has developed a method to significantly slow down the spoilage process.

The coating, composed of mono- and diglycerides extracted from plant oils, creates an additional protective layer that helps retain moisture and reduce oxidation in produce.

This technology can potentially double or triple the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, a breakthrough with profound implications for food distribution, particularly in regions with limited refrigeration infrastructure.

The coating works like an additional “peel” of natural protection for fruits and vegetables. By applying a tiny, microscopic layer, made from materials already found in produce, after harvest, it forms a breathable barrier. This layer helps slow spoilage by locking in moisture and keeping oxygen out.

Apeel’s product line includes two primary coatings: Edipeel for conventional produce and Organipeel for organic produce.

Both are made from plant-based ingredients that are recognized as safe by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The company emphasizes the naturalness of its approach, using ingredients already found in everyday foods and plant structures.

Apeel’s technology has a significant environmental impact. In 2023, the company reported preventing over 90 million pieces of fruit from going to waste.

This achievement translated into avoiding approximately 9,000 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions, comparable to planting 151,600 trees.

Additionally, the company conserved 2.7 billion liters of water, enough to fill 1,100 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Despite its success, Apeel has not been without challenges. The company has faced a coordinated disinformation campaign targeting its reputation and product safety.

In a passionate letter from the founders, they addressed these attacks directly, emphasizing their commitment to scientific integrity and transparency. They stressed that their products undergo stringent scientific research and comprehensive regulatory evaluation.

The integrity of Apeel’s claims has been rigorously verified by independent fact-checking organizations, which have systematically debunked misinformation circulating on social media.

Reuters conducted an investigation, meticulously examining the scientific basis of claims about Apeel’s product safety.

The fact-checking report detailed the company’s ingredients, confirming that the mono- and diglycerides used are recognized as safe by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority.

Similarly, other reputable fact-checking outlets, including USA Today and Health Feedback, have systematically dismantled false claims about toxic ingredients or harmful chemicals.

These independent verifications have been crucial in countering widespread misinformation, providing scientific validation of Apeel’s technology, and reassuring consumers about the safety and efficacy of the company’s innovative produce coating.

The company’s approach extends beyond just creating a product. Apeel has developed initiatives like “The Apeel Leverage” to help transform supply chain operations, enabling suppliers and retailers to reduce waste, extend product freshness, and improve economic outcomes.

Their innovative RipeTrack digital platform further demonstrates their commitment to technological solutions in the agricultural sector.

The company’s technology has garnered significant recognition. In 2018, the World Economic Forum named Apeel Sciences a Technology Pioneer, acknowledging its innovative approach to addressing social challenges.

Academic and industry experts, including Walter Willett from Harvard’s School of Public Health, have validated the safety and potential of Apeel’s technology.

Apeel continues to explore expanding its technology across different produce categories, with particular interest in tropical fruits and high-value, high-spoilage produce.

Their vision extends beyond immediate commercial success, focusing on creating systemic improvements in global food systems.