Coexpan combines “hyper-extended” shelf life and recyclability in new antimicrobial food trays

22 Nov 2021 --- Coexpan is launching the Coexshield fresh food packaging range, delivering “hyper-extended” shelf life and food safety through antibacterial technology.

The monomaterial trays are based on different safe and active additives for avoiding food waste and certified for food contact by EFSA and FDA. Moreover, the mono-PET or PP options boast superior recyclability over conventional modified atmosphere solutions.

The Spanish-headquartered manufacturer aims to replace complex medium- and high-barrier laminates with its high-barrier mono-materials. The new Coexshield products reportedly increase shelf life from 7 to 12 days, depending on the producer’s initial hygiene and food safety conditions.

Fighting food waste
The United Nations World Food Programme estimates one-third of food is lost or wasted, amounting to a financial loss of approximately US$ 1 trillion annually.

Moreover, food waste in developed countries contributes directly to climate emergencies, leaves millions of people facing hunger and is responsible for 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, highlights Coexpan.Coexshield trays reportedly deliver “hyper-extended” shelf life.

“That’s why halving food waste by 2030 is a target under the Sustainable Development Goals, and at Coexpan and Emsur (Coexpan’s subsidiary) we want to contribute to avoiding food waste through our smart and active packaging, increasing shelf life.”

Cost-effective solution
Coexpan‘s Innovation and Technology Centre (Innotech) has ensured the monomaterial trays are a cost-effective alternative to conventional MAP trays.

Meanwhile, the built-in antimicrobial technology inhibits the growth of bacteria on fresh foods’ outer packaging. This rigid solution can be developed in combination with Emsur’s Emfull barrier lids, designed to enhance recyclability further.

The available options are:

• Coexshield Ram 0: antibacterial tray containing a virucidal additive, active in the presence of Covid Sars II, with technology based on copper micro and nanoparticles (FDA-compliant).
• Coexshield Infinite: antibacterial power on E. Coli and C. Yeyuni, FDA- AND EFSA-compliant).
• Coexshield Fresher: anti-odor scavenging tray eliminating smells, acid-aliphatic-sulfur compound families (FDA- AND EFSA-compliant).

Design enhancements
The Coexshield range is offered with a transparent or colored base, with a high gloss or matte finish. Coexpan’s special formulations offer higher stress resistance than traditional materials, together with a longer shelf life.

“At Coexpan and Emsur, we continue to work on developments responding to our customers’ needs and consumer and market trends, and driving forward our sustainability commitment to creating packaging solutions contributing to food availability and waste reduction that are recyclable or biodegradable after use,” the company concludes.

Antimicrobial tech expands
Antimicrobial packaging technologies are on the rise. This month, Cedo unveiled the UK’s first antibacterial refuse sack for domestic use, branded Good Karma Antibac.

Innova Market Insights found most consumers say they agree (35%) or strongly agree (13%) the protective function of product packaging is more important due to the pandemic.

Last year, PackagingInsights explored antimicrobial packaging’s shelf life-extending capabilities in the battle against global food waste.

By Joshua Poole

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